Outstanding Government Award 2016

OUTSTANDING GOVERNORSHIP AWARD

2016

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016

CREDITS

CHAIRMAN Superbrand Marketing International Inc. Karl McLean PRESIDENT & CEO Superbrand Marketing International Inc. Harry Tambuatco MARKETING DIRECTOR Superbrand Marketing International Inc. Larry Brouhard LEGAL COUNSEL Atty. Sara Jane Suguitan SENIOR MARKETING MANAGER Kenneth Rocete GRAPHIC DESIGNER Richelle Lim ADMINISTRATION Corazon Villanueva ACCOUNTING Nelia Villarete RESEARCHER Lionel Prieto Matanguihan Kimberly De Los Santos Paule SMI offices are located at the Makati Central Business District with address: Unit 904, Rufino Building, Ayala Avenue, Makati City, Philippines Tel. 869-5504 Fax. 869-8040 www.smiphl.com The logo is subject to copyright of Superbrand Marketing International Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or any other storage or retrieval system relating too all or part of the text, photographs, or logo types without written permission of the publishers.

ISSN 2362-776X

2

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016

FOREWORD

T

here seems to be no explicit definition for “governorship” or to “govern” other than the management, administration, or generalship for the office of the governor. A governor, however, is, in most cases, a public official with the power to govern the executive branch of a non-sovereign or sub-national level of government. The governor ranks under the head of state. In federations, governor may be the title of the politician who governs a constituent state and may be appointed or elected. Powers of the individual governor can vary dramatically between political systems, with some governors having only nominal, largely ceremonial power, while others have complete power over the entire government.

Provinces of the Philippines (Filipino: Mga Lalawigan ng Pilipinas) are the primary political and administrative divisions of the Philippines. There are 81 provinces at present, further subdivided into component cities and municipalities. That means we have 81 Governors to govern these provinces.

In the Philippines, regions (Filipino: rehiyon, ISO 3166-2:PH) are administrative divisions that serve primarily to organize the provinces (lalawigan) of the country for administrative convenience. Currently, the archipelagic republic of the Philippines is divided into 18 regions (17 administrative and 1 autonomous). Most government offices are established by region instead of individual provincial offices, usually (but not always) in the city designated as the regional center. Regions were born September 24, 1972, when the Philippine provinces were organized into 11 regions by Presidential Decree № 1 as part of the Integrated Reorganization Plan of President Ferdinand Marcos.

Since that time, other regions have been created and some provinces have been transferred from one region to another.

One might think duplication would have altered the authority and influence of Governors vis-à-vis Region authorities. Not so. The office of the Governor stands firm to date with its power, authority, and responsibility towards its vast provinces and population. The office of the Governor might be thought the acting President of the country represented in the provinces. What better way to address acting Governors to migrate into the Presidency other than Senators.

SMI celebrates the role of the Governors of the Philippines by bestowing the Outstanding Governorship Award for 2016, placing center stage their role, their responsibility, and their function as head of state (in this case province) that is the glue in keeping the country together administratively.

SMI congratulates the Awarded Governors for 2016 and with this publication provides a firm testament to their successes and contributions to the country.

3

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016

4

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016

CONTENTS

Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado

Province of Bulacan.......................................................................................... 6

Governor Faustino "Bojie" G. Dy, III

Province of Isabela..........................................................................................12

Regional Governor Mujiv S. Hataman

Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM)...................................18

Governor Corazon T. Nuñez Malanyaon

Province of Davao Oriental............................................................................24

Governor Maria Imelda "Imee" R. Marcos

Province of Ilocos Norte..................................................................................30

Governor Emmylou “Lala” J. Taliño-Mendoza

Province of Cotabato.......................................................................................36

Governor Manuel C. Ortega

Province of La Union......................................................................................42

Governor Vilma Santos-Recto

Province of Batangas......................................................................................48

Governor Vicente Homer Bajar REVIL

Province of Masbate........................................................................................54

Governor Miguel Luis “Migz” R. Villafuerte Province of Camarines Sur.............................................................................60

5

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016

Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado Province of Bulacan

6

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016

MOVING FORWARD TO THE GREATER HEIGHTS OF EXCELLENCE IN GOVERNANCE A MAN OF THE PEOPLE Our Government shouldn't make promises we cannot keep, but we must keep the promises we've already made—Governor Willy

H

onorable Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado, a man of profound humility attributes his success to his great love to his fellowmen. In fact, the continuing success of the Provincial Government of Bulacan has been guided by the philosophy that his administration works on behalf of the many, and not just the few; give everyone a fair chance to pursuit happiness by opening the door of opportunities in the field of good governance, health, education, nature and environment, livelihood, peace and order, history and culture. For Gov. Willy is a believer that a decent living is also a basic human right, which cannot be ignored.

His brilliant mind is evident in his long record of professional and political achievements as public servant. Under his present administration, his vision is to make long-run plans of rebuilding cities, preserving open space and enriching personal responsibility to bring the government closer to the people and promote citizens’ participation in decision-making, oversight and accountability on a continuing basis. In this way government will be most responsive to the wishes of the people it serves. As for Gov. Willy, only through strength of our words and deeds of our economic agenda that we can provide a safety net programs to promote growth and bring the fruits of that growth within reach of all his constituents, but must do so in a way that promotes individual initiative to win in our new and changing economy.

Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado touches upon a wide range of domestic concerns, including health care, economic development in rural areas, and road construction.

In other words, he does more to strengthen the economies and improve the lives of the millions of Filipinos in these vast areas of Region III. He supports socio-economic development by investing in road infrastructure projects, which not only include improvements in the road network and street lighting, but also water drainage and sewerage lines. Actions on different fronts support this endeavor. The programs plan to achieve and envision immediate as well as long-range changes and improvements must continue and strengthen the efforts and more effectively marshal resources to achieve the goals of an even better city.

A MAN OF ACHIEVEMENT • Governor Sy-Alvarado’s numerous awards and citations including the highest recognition given to the outstanding local government units in the Philippines, known as the SEAL OF GOOD LOCAL GOVERNANCE (SGLG) of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

• The Provincial Government of Bulacan was cited as one of the GOOD FINANCIAL HOUSEKEEPING PASSERS FOR THE YEAR 2014 for its compliance to the full disclosure policy of the DILG’s FDP Portal.

7

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016

• Recipient of prestigious GAWAD KALASAG Hall of Fame Award for being the Best PDRRMC for three consecutive years (that is only given to outstanding organizations in recognition of their initiatives in helping Filipino Local Government Units to uplift the standard of disaster management in the country).

• Bulacan was cited by the Department of Agriculture’s AGRI-PINOY RICE ACHIEVERS AWARD as one of the Ten Outstanding Provinces in the Philippines that topped the rice production for the year 2014.

• The Provincial Government of Bulacan obtained the BEST PERFORMING LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNIT (LGU) AWARD FOR COOPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT as it continues to show exemplary performances and best practices in generating employment through cooperative development and assistance to micro, small and medium enterprise.

• Bulacan was recognized as the Green Banner Award as the MOST OUTSTANDING PROVINCE IN CENTRAL LUZON because of its effective and efficient implementation of nutrition programs.

• REGIONAL OUTSTANDING WINNER IN NUTRITION (CROWN) MAINTENANCE AWARD because of Gov. Willy’s intensified efforts to improve nutrition situation of his constituents.

• 2015 MOST BUSINESS-FRIENDLY LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNIT - Province Category 1.

• HOME OF GALLONERS AWARDEE – Province with Most number of Mobile Blood Donations.

• One of the Recipients of MOST OUTSTANDING GOVERNORSHIP AWARD FOR THE YEAR 2013 and 2015.

• Recognition to Gov. Willy from the National Nutrition Council for his continuous efforts in making NUTRITION AND ANTI-HUNGER PROGRAMS as the priority concern of his developmental agenda.

• Bulacan was hailed by the Regional Committee on Disability Affairs as MOST PWD-FRIENDLY PROVINCE HALL-OFFAMER AWARDEE and was cited as the OUTSTANDING PROVINCE FOR MEASLES RUBELLA ORAL POLIO MASS IMMUNIZATION for earning high percentage in the actual anti-vaccination campaign against the said disease, and awarded as the MOST SUPPORTIVE LGU FOR THE WELFARE OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITY

8

BULACAN ON THE RISE Each Bulakenyos has had to face circumstances not of its own choosing, but by which its character is measured and its spirit is tested. Bulacan today is a first class province with great challenges but greater resources. The Provincial Government of Bulacan is pursuing the game-changing concept of Public-Private Partnership with the implementation of the Bulacan Program for Rapid Industrialization and Development (Bulacan Pride).

This program creates and develops enterprises that will optimally harness Bulacan’s inherent natural and human resources, support industrialization, increase economic productivity, generate massive employment, and contribute to the nation’s overall economic growth and development. Accomplishing all of these could achieve better results in improving the skills of the people, the health of the people, the security of the people and improving the sustainability of the way of life.

He implemented a program, which he called “ KALINGANG BULAKENYO” which benefited disadvantaged, Solo Parent, Senior Citizens and others in need. They are those who only need skills and a chance in order to take their place in our economic system.

As for the health programs, Gov. Willy stands for human rights that government has as a purpose to promote the well-being of its citizens. Under Republic Act (RA) 7875, as amended by RA 10606, otherwise known as The National Health Insurance Act of 2013 under section 6 states that: All citizens of the Philippines shall be covered by the National Health Insurance Program.

As of 2015 there is a total of 11,546 enrolled per hospital (Bulacan Medical Center - 5060, San Miguel District Hospital - 852, Emilio G. Perez District Hospital - 1055, Baliwag District Hospital - 2377, Rogaciano M. Mercado Memorial Hospital - 652, Calumpit District Hospital - 771 and Gregorio Del Pilar District Hospital - 779.

Improvement/Rehabilitation of OB/Medical Bldg-OB-ER/ LR-DR section is underway, Bulacan Medical Center, City of Malolos amounting to 3.6 million pesos, and Intensive Care Unit Rehabilitation, which is estimated to cost at least 4.4 million pesos.

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016 A MAN OF VISION: THE PROMISE OF OUR FUTURE IS LIMITLESS Gov. Sy-Alvarado is thoroughly optimistic and modern progressive, as he believes that we can grow our economy in the face of global competition, and in a way that benefits all Filipinos. As the Provincial Governor of Bulacan and at the same time the Chairman of the Regional Development Council 3, Governor Sy-Alvarado has been focusing his attention and hardship on how to ensure both strong economic growth and economic fairness. He believes that fairness doesn't just happen.

It requires the right government policies.

This Bulk Water System project which benefits include the incremental economic value of water; improved health; savings in time storing water; reduced depletion of groundwater; increase income and economic opportunities.

For regional and national interests, present RDC administration remains sensitive to the wide variations in local and regional resources, needs, and economic conditions.

It embraces a new, more entrepreneurial, more collaborative, more performance-driven style of leadership.

This Bayabas Dam Project is also seen as a major flood control facility to manage the inflow of water to the Angat River coming from the watershed. Furthermore, this is expected to help ease the flood waters from devastating the downstream municipalities in Angat River by holding the water run-off from the Bayabas River.

With the outlined vision and policy measures Gov. Willy plans to create hope and opportunity for all based on a sound national, social and economic foundation. He seeks lights to a new vision of economic fairness and prosperity for the 21st century, a vision on how to ensure greater opportunity for the next generation, and outline a strategy and then to implement it.

SOME OF THE ON-GOING/UNDERWAY PROJECTS ARE: • The Bulacan Bulk Water System Project (BBWSP), which project cost is PhP24.4 billion is tendered as PublicPrivate Partnership (PPP) under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) scheme in accordance with the BOT Law. Under the PPP modality, the Contract was awarded to San Miguel Corporation and K-Water Consortium at a bid amount of PhP8.50 per cubic meter. This PPP Contract will lasts for thirty years.

The Concession agreement (CA) and MOA signing was held on January 15, 2016 with the presence of HIS EXCELLENCY Simeon Benigno Aquino III. Thereafter, the Detailed Engineering Design (DED) started immediately and the Notice to Commence Construction (NTCC) will be issued on July 2016, which will mark the start of the project’s construction.

• With the implementation of the Bulacan Bulk Water Supply project (BBWSP), Bayabas River is considered as one of the major water source that can be tapped to augment the long-term water requirement of the BBWSP. This is a huge water source potential for domestic use, irrigation purposes and possibly for power generation.

The Provincial Government of Bulacan has long before advocated the need to protect, conserve, strengthen and sustainably co-manage the Angat Dam, because of its inherent value of national significant as a very vital resource to millions of people. Through Gov. Sy-Alvarado’s unrelenting advocacy and campaign to the National Government and concerned agencies, it became a national security.

Not only that it poses an unimaginable danger to lives and properties of Bulakenyos downstream the Angat River System in case an earthquake breaks the structural integrity of the dam, but in case of a 7.2 magnitude earthquake of the West Valley fault, movement of the splay underneath the Angat Dyke could potentially create a progressive failure of the Dam leading to dam break that will flood the downstream of Bulacan causing the loss of millions of lives and properties. However, on September 2014, K-Water (locally registered as Angat Hydropower Corporation or AHC) and its local partner San Miguel Corporation (SMC) confirmed and reiterated that the strengthening of the Angat Dam is included in their responsibility. At present, the civil works of the Angat Dam Strengthening is already on going.

9

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016 • Another proposed major project is the Bustos Dam Rehabilitation Project, which is a key irrigation infrastructure in Central Luzon that irrigates around 31,000 hectares of prime agricultural lands in the provinces of Bulacan and Pampanga.

However, the rubber gates are now quickly deteriorating that poses high risk to the safety of the dam structure. To ensure the integrity of the dam structure and the year round availability and reliability of irrigation water supply, the rehabilitation of the Bustos Dam and its appurtenant structures is being proposed.

The construction of Plaridel Bypass Road involves a total length of 24.61 kilometers and eleven (11) bridges. It traverses the vast agricultural lands of five (5) municipalities in Bulacan, namely: Balagtas, Guiguinto, Plaridel, Bustos and San Rafael.

The Plaridel Bypass Road starts at Brgy. Burol in Balagtas along the North Rcpressway and will connect the Maharlika Highway in Brgy. Maasim, San Rafael, Bulacan.

Now as we move to an age of technology, information, and global competition, these changes have opened vast new opportunities for our people, but they have also presented them with stiff challenges. The economy must keep on expanding to produce new jobs and better income, which our people need.

The fruits of growth must be widely shared. More jobs must be made available.

• So, as the Philippines emerges to be one of the largest exporter of voice-driven Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) with over 200,000 employees providing back-office and complex business services, the Province of Bulacan is being promoted as one of the next alternative growth area for the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) hubs. With specifically ideal locations such as the City of Malolos, this Techno Hub will be incorporated with the province urban core that is-in-between the ICT hubs of Metro Manila and Clark. Besides its proximity to governmental facilities, the proposed site is a property of Provincial Government of Bulacan.

10

This Techno Hub project is expected to serve as stimulant for investment and employment generation. Thus, it will boost economic development through ICT industries that will encourage similarly additional commerce. This will also strengthen private and public partnership for enhanced education systems and further development programs to adapt in rapidly changing ICT sphere resulting into more competitive and self-supportive urbanized communities ready to advanced industry expansion.

• Another vision of Gov. Sy-Alvarado is the MRT 7 and Access Road Project, which aimed to address congestion in EDSA by providing alternative route for the provincial buses from the North.

It also provides an alternative location for urban development and an alternative route for travelers coming from the National Capital Region going to the north and vice-versa. This is a multipurpose transportation system that will start with a service road from Balagtas to a train depot at the City of San Jose Del Monte (SJDM). This access road also intends to bring direct link between the province’s identified two major growth centers, which are the Malolos-Meycauyan Urban Core and the Norzagaray-San Jose Del Monte Growth Corridor. From the proposed depot at the City of SJDM, an elevated railway system will be constructed traversing Novaliches going to SM City North Edsa in Quezon City. At present, the Department of Transportations and Communications (DOTC) with San Miguel Corporation is preparing for the detailed engineering design of the access road component and is expected to start this year once the financial closure is completed.

• Pulilan-Baliwag Bypass Road Project is another vision of Gov. Willy that aimed at decongesting and diverting traffic passing through the core of the urban centers in Pulilan and Baliwag. This project is a 10-kilometer bypass road that is also expected to boost the economic activity of the host municipalities and the towns in the 3rd district of Bulacan. In support to the fulfillment of Gov. Willy’s vision, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has allocated funds for the construction of this bypass road project this year.

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016 IT HAS BEEN SAID THAT OUR BEST YEARS ARE BEHIND US, BUT GOV. WILLY SAYS: “BULACAN’S BEST IS STILL AHEAD.”

• Being also the Chairman of the Regional Development Council 3, Gov. Sy-Alvarado had vision of the construction of Airport Expressway Railway-North South Commuter railway (AER-NSCR) Project. The proposed AER-NSCR project will support the vision of Region3 to become a global gateway where the region will be opened to the world through comprehensive transportation linkages. It will certainly boost the region’s potential for economic growth by accelerating the plan of making Clark a bustling international airport together with the presence of seaport facilities in the special economic and free port zones and their connectivity with the improved road network systems including the Manila North Road, North Luzon Expressway and the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway.

The Airport Expressway Railway will serve as an airport express service after extension to Clark International Airport that will end at Malolos City. While the North South Commuter Rail (NSCR) will run from Malolos City to Tutuban, City of Manila, this line will be passing through four (4) municipalities (Guiguinto, Balagtas, Bocaue, marilao) and two (2) cities (Malolos and Meycauyan) in Bulacan, and three (3) cities (Valenzuela, Caloocan and Manila) in Metro Manila. The total length from malolos City to Tutuban will be 37.9 kilometers.

The entire line of the project will utilize the existing PNR right-of-way. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has lined-up Public-Private-Partnership programs and one of these is the implementation of the Master Plan for High Standard Highways/Expressways.

As his second term draws into a close and sets his sights on the future looking forward to another fruitful third term of his administration, he assures his constituents of a more rapid expansion, provides a more stable economic environment, and further development in the region, which allows each individual to unleashed the energy and qualities of its people to a greater extent and by continuing with this proven strategy is the best way to keep that prosperity and progress going.

Started 2010 when he was elected as the Provincial Governor of Bulacan and up to the present, Gob. Willy makes meaningful progress in driving strong economic growth by empowering the individuals to determine our destiny and shape the course of our history. His administration is a progressive instrument of the common good— rooted in the oldest values of opportunity, responsibility, and community, where he has undertaken to meet these responsibilities.

Now it is time for us to look also to the challenges of today and tomorrow, beyond the burdens of yesterday. The challenges are significant. But the province of Bulacan was built on challenges and opportunities, not promises. And when we work together to meet them, we will never fail. Our individual dreams must be realized by our common efforts. We have emerged from bitter experiences chastened but proud, confident and triumphant, ready to face challenges once again for his third term of administration as Provincial Governor of Bulacan.

MAY GOD KEEP HIM STRONG IN BODY AND IN SPIRIT TO CARRY ON HIS NOBLE ENDEAVOURS!

• The Manila-Bataan Coastal Highway is among the three (3) expressways proposed beyond 2030. The other two are the North Luzon Expressway Phase 3 and the East-West Connection Highway. These 3 highways will be interconnected and will complete the High Standard Highway Network.

• Proposed Rehabilitation of Marilao-MeycauyanObando Water System (MMORS) is very significant in the production of water for domestic or industrial use, irrigation for agri-crop production such as rice, vegetables and fruit crops.

The tract of rice land in the City of San Jose Del Monte, Marilao, Meycauyan and adjacent areas depends on this river system. It also provides reservoir and streams for fishery production. It has potential values for socio-economic production, domestic water source, recreation, fishery and other activities. Social benefits and water conservation, biodiversity preservation, oxygen generation, carbon sink and micro-climate amelioration.

11

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016

Governor Faustino "Bojie" G. Dy, III Province of Isabela

12

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016

THE PIONEER FAUSTINO G. DY, III at the helm of Region 2’s Most-Awarded Province

I

sabeleños know that they deserve no less. In the “land of superlatives,” they know what they want and need -- for their province to stay nourished, booming, and kicking well into the next century. Governor Faustino G. Dy III has upped Isabela’s status to unprecedented peaks and sustained the force that fuels its flight. He has harnessed his pioneering skills in designing innovative programs that produce clear and tangible benefits. He addressed with surgical precision the most pressing ails of each sector. He continues to pilot the province with the audacity of a warrior whose only fear is not accomplishing what he has sought to, when he knew he had the resources to realize it.

inductee as the Best Implementer of the Anti-Red Tape Act. Isabela is also the region’s undefeated and multiple regional Champion in Disaster Preparedness and its PDRRMC is one of the country’s Most Outstanding. The province is the very first to organize a Climate Change Summit, the first to institutionalize a day for Disaster Preparedness, and the first to initiate a partnership with the Department of Education for the curriculum-assisted instruction on the subject. Voted the Second Most Business-Friendly Province in the Philippines, Isabela also remains on top of cooperatives development and continues to reap National awards in agriculture and crop production.

Into the 6th year of his Governorship, the provincial government of Isabela reigns as Region 02’s model in the spheres of good governance, financial housekeeping, transparency, social service, and business competitiveness. It is a multiple recipient of the Seal of Good Local Governance, the highest distinction an LGU can earn, and a Hall of Fame

Dubbed as the “Breakthrough Governor,” the Governor demonstrates a leadership that dares to pioneer undertakings never before conceived nor thought to be doable. He personally brings his BRO Small Farmer Assistance Program, a first in the Philippines and now a 13-component subsidy and capacity-building program,

13

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016

to the small farmers in the barangays. The BRO provides them with crop insurance, price and transportation subsidy, livelihood loans, livestock raising opportunities, alternative income sources, free Social Security and provincial healthcare and Philhealth enrolment, free accident insurance, free Pag-ibig membership to capacitate them in the era of Climate Change, nutrition subsidy for their pre-school children, and college scholarships for their children’s tertiary education.

Isabela’s strong performance in agriculture and status as the country’s Top Corn Producer and Biggest Rice Supplier, bank upon its 103,000 small farmers who work on 83,000 hectares of productive land. It is for this reason that the Governor has chosen the BRO to be the centerpiece of his banner program.

14

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016

In the administration of Gov. Dy, Isabela has gone from being the country’s Number 1 Premier Grains Producer to being the only province in North Luzon that made it to the list of the Top Ten Richest Provinces in the Philippines. From being the land where the longest river and the longest mountain range in the Philippines run through, it is now the host of the country’s biggest bio-ethanol producer, the newest SM City and Robinson’s malls in northern Luzon, and the biggest grains processing center in the country.

15

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016

The economic feats aside, every Isabeleño today experiences the rebirth of pride in the local heritage. Local Culture has never been as vibrant and its cultivation never been as celebrated and promoted as it is now under the Governor’s direction.

The Bambanti Festival of Isabela now ranks among the most interesting events in the country, attracting tourists from even outside the Philippines. The 2015 Aliw Awards also recently hailed the Bambanti Festival of Isabela as the Best in Festival Practices and Performance. These developments affirm the sound state of law and order and healthy environment in the province. The huge yet peaceful cultural and sporting assemblies are occasions that continue to attest to this and the unity, cooperation, and diligence of the people of Isabela. The Isabeleños’ enthusiasm, compassion, and generosity have also been building for the province a reputation as the Volunteer Capital of the Philippines for the countless times Isabela has posted impressive participation in Red Cross Fun Runs, Bayani Challenge, rescue and relief in Leyte and other typhoon-battered provinces across the country, and in pro-environment initiatives.

16

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016

Governor Dy’s performance has earned for him the distinction of being a Pioneering LGU Chief Executive. Isabela, meanwhile soars; its people motivated, fueled by his words in his 2015 State of the Province speech:

“TODAY IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT, INVEST, AND LIVE IN ISABELA.”

17

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016

Regional Governor Mujiv S. Hataman

Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) 18

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016

F

Moro Servant Leader in Contemporary Mindanao

rom his humble beginnings at a small village in the island of Basilan, Mujiv Hataman worked his way up to become a leading Moro figure of today. As Regional Governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), he has authority over five provinces and two cities and takes the helm of addressing the clamors of around 4 million residents, who are mostly Moros. His administration’s introduction of reforms and good governance has allowed ARMM to maintain its relevance to the aspirations of the Moro people.

Mujiv was born on September 11, 1972 as the seventh child of Hadji Sulaiman Hataman, a Yakan, and Hadja Jamila Salliman, a Tausug, in the village of Buli-Buli, Sumisip, Basilan. He comes from a family of leaders - his father was a panglima(chieftain) and served as Barangay captain of their village from the time he sought the position in the 70s until his retirement, and his older brother was one of the first councilors of the then City of Basilan.

A product of public school, Mujiv graduated Class Valedictorian in 1984 at Buli-Buli Elementary School and Class Salutatorian in 1988 at the SumisipNational High School. Having spent his elementary and secondary education in Basilan, he ventured to Manila at the age of 16 to pursue college. He enrolled in Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering at the AMA Computer University in Manila.Mujiv has always been ahead of his time. At the age of 17, he developed a heightened consciousness of the web of interrelations among Mindanaoans - the Moros, Lumads, and the Christian settlers – and developed a profound understanding of the need to address the salient issues of their economic, political, and cultural life. 1989 was the start of his progressive-bent political career. He joined the Manila-based Bangsamoro Student Association who marched and took the cause of the Moro People to the streets in the quest of making a statement for the plight of the Muslim ethnics of Mindanao, their right to self-determination that then continued to fall on deaf ears and the need for drafting a peaceful solution to the centuries-old Mindanao problem.

His experience as a youth leader and activist gained him a grasp of the realities faced by minority groups in the country.

He hopes to see an empowered and responsible citizenry, active in their participation in good governance and establish a model Muslim community that every Muslim Filipino can be proud of.

The sporadic encounters between the military and the secessionist groups based in Basilan took heavy toll on the plight of people who were caught in thecrossfires and the loss of lives was far too heavy to be accepted in contemporary terms. This motivated the young Mujiv to found KahapanBasilan, Inc. (now the Kahapan Foundation) in 1995.

19

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016

A consistent advocate of peace and development via right to self-determination of the tri-Peoples in Mindanao, he did not only earn the respect of prominent political figures in the province of Basilan but even across Mindanao. His persistence, diligence and involvement with international solidarity work gained attention in the national and international communities.

In the year 2000, Mujiv was named as top nominee of the AMIN (Anak Mindanao) Party List that was then seeking a seat at the House of Representatives. He graduated from the House of Representatives after having served for three-terms as Congressman (12th – 14th Congress).

During his stint in Congress, Mujiv took bold steps in (1) standing up as the only Muslim legislator in the impeachment against then President GloriaMacapagal-Arroyo, (2) calling out for inspection of rice warehouses to avoid rice hoarding when the price of rice had increased from P41 to P52 per kilo, (3) bringing out the anomalous Road User’s Tax and criticizing the double insertion of the C6 project, (4) calling out for reform in government-owned and controlled corporations considering their heavy indebtedness and mismanagement, (5) initiating investigation in the irregularities in the collection of taxes from quarrying and hauling of Mt. Pinatubo sand in Pampanga, (6) calling the government to give more meaning to the mandate of the Constitution to assign the highest budgetary priority to education, (7) asking the government in a resolution to make basic education the primary beneficiary of its P25.2-billion take from the sale of government shares in the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company, (8) pushing for a program to ensure that the thousands of undocumented children of Filipino workers in Malaysia who were sent back to the Philippines during the mass deportation will get proper education, (9) building the Mindanao Garden of Peace in the Corregidor Islands, and a lot more.

20

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016 Mujiv sponsored and authored fourteen (14) House Bills, the most significant of which is House Bill No. 03012 - AN ACT PROHIBITING DISCRIMINATION AGAINST PERSONS ON ACCOUNT OF ETHNIC ORIGIN AND/OR RELIGIOUS BELIEF, which was approved on 3rd reading by both Houses of Congress. He also co-authored sixty nine (69) House Bills to include among others the CARPER Law and Generics Medicine Act.Following the ARMM Synchronization Law, President Benigno S. Aquino III handpicked him to a yet bigger responsibility in December 2011 to become the OIC-Regional Governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). Assuming the highest office in the region that had the reputation of being regularly irregular, particularly during the aftermath of the Maguindanao Massacre, remains Mujiv’s most challenging task.

Mujiv managed to lay down sweeping changes in what used to be dysfunctional bureaucracy – professionalizing its workforce, purging a large number of “ghost employees” and instituting transparency and accountability in the regional governance. To date, Hataman’s policy of transparency is most remarkable in Philippine local governance.

His leadership style, characterized by his openness and accessibility to the people, is a complete pivot from the established norm in the ARMM. The governor and the entire composition of his cabinet have voluntarily made public their contact details where people can vent their opinions and comments on government and its services. A standing policy in the ARMM is giving the public access to government activities and transactions and requiring all officials to respond to valid queries.

21

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016

Mujiv’s policy of bringing the government closer to the people and vice versa, is an impressive move to make constituents realize that government exists for them and must initiate the bold moves for change. It is the regional government’s aim to adhere to the global principle of open governance.

He has personally urged for the strengthening of a Personnel Selection and Promotions Board that screens and evaluates applicants purely on their merit and fitness thus, curbing influence peddling, inefficiency and items-for-sale scheme.

Believing in education as the most potent tool for change, Mujiv took priority to address the state of literacy and education in the ARMM. While doing so, he took personal attention to delve into the plight of schoolteachers, the state-of-affairs in the region’s Education Department, and the persistent irregularities. He found the niche for his massive reform agenda in the education sector.

Policies were set to remove delays in the release of salaries of teachers and adopted policies to ease them of some financial burdens. The regional government secured a deal with Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) to provide a buyout scheme for teachers with huge loans from private lenders. An agreement was also signed between the ARMM government, the GSIS and the Department of Budget and Management for the implementation of a straight deduction scheme to settle GSIS payables of a large number of teachers in the region.

22

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016

ARMM saved millions of government funds when Mujiv launched a campaign against ghost projects and workers campaign in 2012. The successful campaign earned him the moniker “certified ghost-buster” from President Benigno Aquino III who made the pronouncement in his 3rd State of the Nation Address.He then campaigned for the cleansing of the list of voters in the ARMM, a move strongly supported by civil society groups. With their help, he secured President Aquino’s support. Close to 300,000 illegitimate registrants were removed from the region’s official book of voters as a result of the re-registration conducted by the Commission on Elections, paving the way for more credible elections. He was for the second time, cited by President Aquino in the recent SONA for his electoral reform initiative.

He has pressed on with the brand of leadership and programs he started in the ARMM after emerging victorious in the

synchronized midterm election in May this year. He has called for the streamlining and optimization of government services being handled by the regional government through the ARMM HELPS (Health, Education, Livelihood, Peace and Security, and Synergy) scheme. He has likewise mandated a proactive approach to emergency situations with the activation of the ARMM HEART or the Humanitarian Emergency Action Response Team.

Mujiv married Sitti Djalia Turabin, former executive director of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos and now Representative of Anak Mindanao Party List. They have five children, namely: AhmedIbn Djaliv, Khaleed Eiman Djaliv, Amina Umara, Jamil Oumar and Ameera Mumtaz.

Mujiv’s style of leadership will forever mark as a legacy of new politics, not just for the Muslim autonomous region, but for the rest of the country as well.

23

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016

Governor Corazon T. Nu単ez Malanyaon Province of Davao Oriental

24

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016

S

Worthy Woman and Her Towering Legacies

he is easily the most awe-inspiring figure in the political history of Davao Oriental. The depth and scale of what she has achieved are staggering, bringing in a sea of change, a new political order to the landscape of this sunshine province.

passionate and dynamic leadership, adherence to high aesthetic and quality standards as well as her loving, forgiving, and generous personality are some of the defining qualities that shaped her performance as a leader.

Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon represents the breed of no nonsense government leaders who meaningfully transforms the people’s lives and conditions.

Malanyaon aspires to lead as she knew back then in 2007 that the people of Davao Oriental were craving for a genuine leadership, leaders who lead by their moral authority to inspire, to elevate people and to enlist them in a shared journey.

She has built one towering legacy after another. Making true her promises to her people, this “Worthy Woman” has basked in fame being feted for her remarkable if not extraordinary achievements as a government official. But she has remained herself as a humble servant leader. She is the worthy woman because of the symbol she has become for her people especially in their hour of trial and darkness. She is the worthy woman because against all odds, she has become brave enough to be the best version of herself: An empowering leader that shows to her people their capacity to transform, to create change and become better. Malanyaon is a woman of many fine qualities, but her vision for Davao Oriental and its people, her strong will and commitment to pursue it with a sense of urgency, her

Armed with a very strong mandate, she assumed as the province’s chief executive on that year. But she reminded her people that the higher targets and greater goals that her administration hoped to achieve can only be realized through convergence and harmonious partnerships. “Together, we will face future challenges with collective dedication and enthusiasm. Recovery and progress will not come through talking. It is work by all of us that is going to lift us to better times. Let us not allow too much politics to get in the way of our work,” Malanyaon tells her people during her first day in office, pointing out that the greatness of the province lies in the unity of its people in sharing a vision.

25

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016 For her, integrity is meaning what you say and saying what you mean. This is her mantra and the highlight of her public life. This is how she restored integrity in public service as she held that the government should operate with only the people’s interest in mind.

Governor Malanyaon lives with her constituents, enabling her to understand their problems, their hopes and their dreams and give substance to these hopes and dreams. And she believes that the people are the real wealth of the country, the reason why she is passionately championing the creation of an enabling environment for her people to enjoy long, healthy and creative lives as she envisions a community where the poor, vulnerable and disadvantaged are empowered for an improved quality of life.

When she took over as governor in 2007, Davao Oriental was a deteriorating low-class province in the region marked with all the negative development indicators, including high poverty incidence, high malnutrition prevalence rate, poor health services and facilities, high unemployment, low agricultural productivity and low revenue collection efficiency.

It was also a hotbed of the long-running communist insurgency.

Now on her last term, Governor Malanyaon has managed to transform her province into a status that is now a leader in agriculture and the only province in Davao Region declared as “insurgency-free” by the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The province has become a model of competent and participatory local governance. Under her leadership, Davao Oriental has achieved a remarkable record of being the most awarded local government unit in the region and benchmarked for its best practices in local governance in the country.

Davao Oriental has become the most outstanding province in agriculture, disaster preparedness, health, local revenue collection, peace and order and in addressing malnutrition prevalence rate. In fact, the province has been the recipient of the most prestigious award from the DILG—the Gawad Pamana ng Lahi also known to be “an award for excellence in local governance” which is the “mother of all awards”.

Malanyaon built towering legacies: A PROVINCIAL HOSPITAL which bears the amenities of a high-end private hospital but catering to the rural poor; a world-class Provincial Museum named SUBANGAN featuring Davao Oriental’s cultural and natural heritage, to include the biggest spermwhale on display in the Philippines; a Halfway House or HAPPY HOME-transitional home for rebel returnees where services such as psychosocial, spiritual, counseling livelihood trainings are extended preparatory to their integration into their respective communities; A HOME FOR ABUSED WOMEN AND CHILDREN; CATEEL IRRIGATION SYSTEM which features the biggest irrigation dam in Mindanao, a World Bank funded project which is province-initiated and managed and which would assure Davao Oriental a one hundred percent rice sufficiency level.

26

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016

Recently, Malanyaon also brought a world-wide fame to a province that is blessed with the earliest rays of the new millennium sunrise, by successfully getting the UNESCO INSCRIPTION OF MT. HAMIGUITAN RANGE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY AS WORLD HERITAGE SITE. Governor Malanyaon’s leadership was put to test when Super typhoon Pablo hit the three municipalities of her province namely: Boston, Cateel and Baganga in December 2012, leaving an unimaginable devastation and when LPA Agaton followed in January, 2014 causing heavy flooding in most towns. While grieving over the incidents, she managed to remain focused on building back better the damaged towns, continued to explore opportunities and rallied people to be strong and resilient. She embarked on massive rehabilitation programs in shelter, livelihood, infrastructure and environment rehabilitation and intensified investment promotions. New programs have emerged such as, industry development of Oil Palm, Cacao Intercropping with Coconut, Abaca Production and Processing, Chili production and processing and tourism development.

The disaster stakeholders, government and non-government, local and international have witnessed the leadership of the Governor at the height of Typhoon Pablo’s relief operations and the subsequent upswing of development in the once disaster-struck province. Upon strong recommendation from the UN Country Manager, Malanyaon was invited to speak before an audience of 49 countries from Europe and Asia to share the province’s Best Practices in Disaster Response, Recovery and Rehabilitation.

Davao Oriental is never the same again. With people’s satisfaction with the local governance, its residents now speak with pride of their province. And there is now a sense of ownership in what has been remarkably achieved and a strong commitment to sustain the gains.

27

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016

THE SUBANGAN MUSEUM -- A world-class museum which showcases the rich cultural and natural heritage of the province. It is the embodiment of the soul of Davao Oriental.

The Subangan Museum is now the province’s top tourism landmark that gives visitors an eye-opening experience. It also features the typhoon Pablo experience of the people in the hardhit towns of Boston, Cateel and Baganga.

DAVAO ORIENTAL MEDICAL CENTER -- A symbol of Gov. Malanyaon’s extreme love for the poor, health being at the core of the governor’s agenda. The beautiful hospital building and its ambience gives the sick people a healing effect, hope and comfort.

UNESCO INSCRIPTION OF MOUNT HAMIGUITAN AS WORLD HERITAGE SITE -- Mount Hamiguitan is a home to high-endemic species of flora and fauna, some of which is critically endangered Philippine Eagle, Philippine Cockatoo, and the carnivorous pitcher plants. Likewise, it is a location to an expansive centuries-old tropical pygmy forest. It is regarded as Davao Oriental’s gift to the rest of the world.

28

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016

CATEEL IRRIGATION PROJECT -- One hundred percent rice-sufficiency is now a reality with the completion of the P256 million irrigation project in the municipality of Cateel, Davao Oriental, which is province-initiated and managed. One of the biggest irrigation projects in Mindanao to date, it is set to irrigate at least 1,600 hectares of rice fields in that town.

HAPPY HOME -- Davao Oriental is the only province in the whole country to have pioneered the establishment of the so-called “Happy Home” that serve as transition shelters for former rebels who now embrace the fold of law. The peacebuilder Gov. Malanyaon was grateful after her province was recently declared as “insurgency-free,” the only place in Mindanao to have such a distinction.

SHELTER PROGRAM -- Residents driven from their homes and livelihoods when super typhoon Pablo cut a wide swathe of destruction in the towns of Boston, Cateel and Baganga finally reacquired decent living quarters. The governor in partnership with the DSWD engaged disaster victims in rebuilding their communities while providing them with opportunity to earn food or cash needed by their families.

DEVELOPMENT OF ECO-TOURISM SITES AND PARKS -- Setting the foundation for world-class development standards of tourism-related projects, the provincial government initiated the development of tourism sites in each town that include: Pintatagan Welcome Park and Dalan Sa Cruz Shrine in Banaybanay, Aliwagwag Falls Eco Park and the Riverview Park and Memorial Shrine in Cateel, Sunrise Boulevard in Baganga, and Pacific View Park in Boston. Site development is also on going in Mt. Hamiguitan Eco-Park in San Isidro, Pusan Point in Caraga, and Cape San Agustin Eco Park in Governor Generoso.

29

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016

Governor Maria Imelda "Imee" R. Marcos Province of Ilocos Norte

30

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016

I

PRICELESS LEGACY OF THE NORTH

mee Marcos (born November 12, 1955), is a Filipino politician who has been Governor of Ilocos Norte since 2010.

She served three terms as Representative of the 2nd District of Ilocos Norte in the Philippine House of Representatives from 1998 to 2007. She formerly belonged to the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan or KBL political party, the same party that supported her father, President Ferdinand Marcos.

Subsequently she joined the alliance of the Nacionalista Party of Manny Villar in support of her mother and her brother.

She is the sister of Ilocos Norte Senator Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., who replaced her as the Representative for the 2nd District of Ilocos Norte.

Maria Imelda Josefa Romualdez Marcos is the first child of Ferdinand Edralin Marcos, former president of the Philippines (1917-1989) and his wife, former First Lady Imelda RomualdezMarcos. Both parents ruled the Philippines together from 1965 to 1985. She was born on November 12, 1955 in Mandaluyong, Metro Manila. She has a younger brother, Ferdinand "BongBong" Marcos, Jr., currently a Senator of the Republic of the Philippines, and two younger sisters, Irene Marcos-Araneta, a socialite, and Aimee Marcos, who was adopted and works as an entrepreneur and musician.

Marcos, who turned 10 the day after her father was elected president in 1965, grew up as a young child at Malaca単an Palace, the official residence of the president of Republic of the Philippines. In an interview with Filipinas Magazine in 1999, she admitted that she was not comfortable living at the Palace because it was too confining, very formal and fixed. She also added that it is not necessarily the most appropriate place to bring up a kid but it was quite nice.

While living at the Palace, Marcos attended regular schools in Manila, then was tutored at the Palace because they found it difficult to go out because of protest rallies outside Malaca単ang.

This she found the most boring thing that happened, to learn without classmates.

Marcos went to the Institucion Teresiana (Poveda Learning Center) from Kindergarten to Grade IV where she earned First Honors. She attended Assumption Convent at Herran St. in Manila for Grade V to First Year High School where she also earned First Honors. Then, she went to the American School in Makati.

Imee, her brother Ferdinand Jr. (Bongbong) and sister, Irene had been studying in England before Marcos signed Proclamation No. 1081 on September 21, 1972. They stayed there for a few years until they finished their studies. But they came home for Christmas and summer holidays.

In England, they had to live by themselves. "We were much concerned about adopting to a new and very cold environment.

I was clueless. I wasn't aware of what was going on because we were struggling to cope in England without our parents, so it wasn't very real to us that things actually changed in the Philippines in an important way," she recalls.

In London, she attended the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art Acting and Playwriting, (with Distinction).

She took up Acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, UK (with Distinction). She also went to the Convent of the Holy Child Jesus, Mayfield, Sussex, England British Kingdom. Marcos completed her secondary education at Santa Catalina School in Monterey, California where she graduated valedictorian of her class.

31

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016

She completed a B.A. degree in Religion and Politics at Princeton University.

After their return to the Philippines, Marcos was chairperson of the Kabataang Barangay (a youth organization). Then, she earned her M.A. in Management and Business Administration from the Asian Institute of Management in Makati. She did her graduate study in anthropology, sociology, literature, arts, history, and theater at Princeton University in New Jersey and the University of the Philippines in Diliman. Marcos also studied French and Dialectical Arabic at the Royal University of Rabat in Morocco, as such she speaks ostensibly with French, Spanish, Latin, Arabic, Portuguese, aside from her knowledge about Ilocano, Waray, English, Tagalog and basic Mandarin and Japanese. She also studied Writing: screenplay; children's literature; painting and art; and interior design at the National University of Singapore College of Extramural Studies.

Imee was counsel at the Center for Legal Aid at the U.P. College of Law. She was also a consultant for corporate taxation of the Independent Realty Corp., Anchor Corp., and Prime Holdings, MidPasig Realty Corp. She was columnist of The Manila Bulletin in Manila, publisher of the Filpino Film Review, publisher and editor of the Kabataang Barangay Foundation, Makati, Metro Manila, and Special consultant to the chairman of the board of ABS-CBN, RPN 9 and IBC 13. From 19791986, she was consultant to the minister of the National Media Production Center in Quezon City. Then, from 1981 to 1986, she was director general of the Experimental Cinema of the Philippines.

From 1975 to 1986, Marcos produced the television shows Kulit Bulilit and Kaluskos Musmos. She was director-general of Experimental Cinema of the Philippines from 1981 to 1986, and was co-producer of the films The Boatman, Brutal, and Scorpio Nights. She also wrote and produced some animation films.

32

Imee also held the following positions: • Producer of Metro Magazine (1975–1986) • Founding Chair of the Kabataang Barangay Foundation (1975–1986) • Consultant/writer of the Children's Television Workshop for Asia and New York (1977–1979) • President/executive producer of Renegade Filmamakers (1996 to present) • In 2007, along with some industry luminaries, Imee Marcos established the Creative Media and • Film Society of the Philippines (CREAM). A year after CREAM evolved into CREAM Content Distribution, Inc., a production company that specializes in animation, game and film production. She is currently the president of CREAM. Marcos was once married to businessman Tommy Manotoc, an avid golfer and former professional basketball coach. They have three sons: Fernando Martin ("Borgy"), a commercial model and a DJ; Michael, a student at New York University; and Matthew Joseph, a student at Claremont McKenna College.

Her stepson Tommy "TJ" Manotoc is a sportscaster and news anchor. Marcos and Manotoc are now separated.

Imee entered the world of politics as an Assemblyman from Ilocos Norte from June 30, 1984 up to March 25, 1986 together with Antonio V. Raquiza.

Twelve years later, she returned to the world of politics. She ran as Congresswoman of the 2nd District of Ilocos Norte and won. She assumed office on June 30, 1998 and ended June 30, 2007.

In the 2010 elections, she ran as Governor of Ilocos Norte against her cousin, Michael Marcos Keon, who was the governor during that time. She defeated her cousin by a landslide victory.

Imee had 196,160 votes while her cousin, Gov. Michael had only 86,005 votes. She assumed office on June 30, 2010.

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016 She was re-elected as Governor in the 2013 polls, unopposed.

Ilocos Gov. Imee Marcos and the different rooms of the Marcos ancestral home in Batac displaying portraits of the young Ferdinand Marcos and the Imeldific First Lady: “I always think that I am a Marcos because I like Ilocano food like simple vegetables. I always think I’m more Ilocano because I was such a daddy’s girl growing up, that my habits are very much like my dad’s, a little bit nerdy.”

When Imee Marcos re-cently celebrated her birthday, she invited members of the media for a three-day familiarization tour of Ilocos Norte’s tourist spots. She gave us a hectic schedule, which she claimed, was typical of her workday.

“I’m afraid I exhausted you,” she told us, “but even my own children tell me after we go on a holiday that they need another holiday just to relax.”

After taking in the sights in the Wind Farm in Bangui, the beaches of Pagudpud, and the Patapat Road which overlooks China Sea, then back to the lake and sand dunes of Paoay and getting the feel of Northern illustrado life in the home of Juan Luna in Badoc, capped by a relaxing afternoon of empanada and barbecued longganiza at the Marcos ancestral home in Batac, I can easily say Ilocos Norte is a feast of cultural, historical and natural offerings.

And yet, if you must ask me my favorite tourist attraction, my number one is Ilocos Norte’s governor, Imee herself, who almost always ends up being asked to pose with foreign tourists, balikbayans, and local travelers for photo ops. The sightings of the governor can vary from a workday

in the capitol, which goes all the way to nine in the evening when she signs all the papers and opens her e-mail, to her inspection trips to the mountains and shorelines of this beautiful province.

I asked her if it was easy campaigning, considering that Ilocos Norte is Marcos’ turf. “Not really,” she said, “because I started out with only a few mayors on my side, so I went from one town to another.” Which was a good way to tell them she meant to play her part well. Local governance job is not her cup of tea, but as she said, “I am happy to be here, and there is much to do.” Come Nov. 23, the Department of Tourism is turning over to the provincial government the much-neglected Malacañang of the North located right along the fringes of the legendary Paoay Lake. “It’s a welcome development because we can fix it. It was beautiful already and they let it rot,” she said. It is one place she can call “home” because that was where the family stayed when they went home during those years when her father President Ferdinand E. Marcos was in power.

Our interview took place from one town to another.

First, over native fare that included puto, tinudok or carioca in Manila, and various versions of the malagkit or “dikit” in Ilocano, including dudul and suman at the Paoay lakeside residence of the Diaz family. Next was at the rest house of Dr. Joven Cuanang in Sitio Remedios in Currimao town, this time over giant prawns, steamed fish, and the all-time favorite crispy bagnet, the Ilocano version of lechon kawali. Finally, at Ford Ilocandia, after a dinner of pakbet, the famous mixed vegetable stew, and the mixed green salad the Ilocanos call KBL, reminiscent of the political party that was in power during the New Society period.

33

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016 The best part about interviewing Imee is her willingness to tell all, when she wants to tell all, and her outright refusal to say a word if she believes she cannot answer the question. If you heard my tape-recorded interview, you would be impressed, as she shifted from one intonation to another, including a style of speaking that is so like her father’s. Imee can talk about any subject and she proved this as we moved from one topic to another, not necessarily in a logical way. This one is her daddy’s girl, and she’s living up to the image with zeal, optimism, grace, and dignity.

You came across activists during your studies in the states.

How did you react when they confronted you?

Right on the first day of school, I already had this kind of thing.

Wala eh, I grew up in a political atmosphere, so there’s always a controversy. I talked to them. Some of them were my friends also. I later came to know quite a few of them, because we eventually studied at the University of the Philippines (UP).

It seems you had many friends who were activists.

Who were they?

Like in the film area, Joel Lamangan and Behn Cervantes.

Mahal ko naman yung mga yun, eh. So, eventually, may nakulong.

Si Joel Lamangan, kalalabas lang nuong maging crowd director sa Himala. Si Lino Brocka, umaakyat sa Malacañang yan, eh. Wala lang, nakikipagkuwentuhan, nakikipagtsismis.

How do Ilocanos view education today?

Here in the province, for example, only the children of OFWs can afford private schools. So it’s a major status symbol. Ilocanos like to go to school. If Bulakeños want to start an enterprise, or Kapampangans want a big house, we have a paper chase in Ilocos. We want a wallpaper.

Even if it’s a nipa hut, we just wallpaper it with these groovy degrees.

Sa Ilocano, it’s a wallpaper. You go to a fishing village somewhere, and suddenly you see the diploma of a Harvard cum laude. I mean it, I’ve seen it time and time again when I do house to house. It’s always some big universities in the United States.

34

Let’s shift gears. How are you and President Noynoy?

I entered as a congresswoman with him. Magkabatch kami, eh, 1998. And we were both three terms. We both ended up in the minority. We were in the opposition. The more unusual coupling was with Ka Satur, di ba? Naaaliw ang mga tao, and they were asking, “bakit parang nasa parehong panig na kayo?”

My father was a very well read and a very cultured man. Funnily enough, we never spoke too much about politics. At the dinner table, it was supposed to be literature and music, and the rest was work. What have we read? Isn’t this guy overrated? Isn’t this guy brilliant?

Were there expectations of each one of you, like you, you’re going to be like this?

I think Bong got more of it, because he is the only son and the junior. I am Imelda also but I am so unlike my mother.

You know, I read somewhere that your mother thought of you as an ugly duckling.

Well, no, my mom was very good about it. I didn’t look like her.

She was such a stunning beauty. It was people telling me all the time “bakit ang itim-itim mo? Bakit di mo kamukha mommy mo? Bakit di ka kasingtangkad? Bakit di ka mestisa?” You know naman people, they are so taklesa (tactless). In hindsight, I should probably have retorted, “sino ba naman ang kamukha ng nanay ko? Namumukod tangi naman talaga yan. Iba naman talaga ang itsura niyan. Wala yang kaparis sa ganda.”

Did it affect you?

In the beginning, I was getting really tired of it. Which probably contributed to my nerdiness. But okay lang.

So, how was life after EDSA? Well, siyempre, eh di naexile kami. My parents had a very good attitude. My father only half-jokingly said, “O sige, two years, ha? After two years, tama na, corny na.” And it was pretty much like that the first couple of years. Siyempre, it was all very fresh and we were so, as they say, we were so alien. It was so difficult, but after that, we just adjusted.

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016 Any advice for President Noynoy?

Noynoy knows who his friends are. So that’s important. You really need to know who your team is. I think he does. That’s valuable.

Kasi yung barkada niya sa Congress, the liberal party stalwarts who are with him now, yun pa ring sa time ng Congress. And he trusts them, and that is important. You need to trust some people. They have to cover your back for you. I think he has got that number.

Ang daming problema kasi, eh. Ang dami naman kasi niyang minanang problema, eh. Hindi mo malaman kung anong uunahin mo.

Bunuin mo yung isa, sampu naman ang lilitaw. I think he has more than a full plate kasi, eh.

I read somewhere that you’re not interested in local politics.

Why did you agree to run for governor?

I am not interested in politics, period. But I am here already, I am happy to be here and to be home. I actually could have been governor in 2007 unopposed by just swapping with Bongbong, but I opted out. My brother put my cousin, Michael Keon, as our candidate and campaigned hard for him. When Bongbong decided to run for senator, I don’t know why Michael refused to join Bong, and it became necessary to make a party stand. So I had to run, and I dragged my mom before the deadline, and convinced Rudy Farinas by text, and we filed half an hour before deadline.

How are you doing in your job as governor?

On a workday, I spend a lot of time in the office because a lot of people go there. Yesterday pala (her birthday), so many people went to the capitol. But because I went to the workshop, all the mayors went to the workshop and they had this giant cake that they brought with them.

It kept traveling all over because they kept following me. Everybody has problems, the people and the mayors also. Like we just finished the barangay elections. Pati sa Sangguniang Kabataan may protest.

Naloka naman ako. I keep telling DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman, “kami, hindi pa kami surrender.” We intend to push the millennium development goals. We intend to do it, do or die, by 2016. Our real priority talaga is jobs. This jobless growth is such an issue.

Are you ready for this? I mean, your job as governor?

On the one hand, I never prepared for the local government.

Diyos ko, ang mga problema, from rabbies to away ng mag-asawa, nakakaloka siya. So, yung mga nagseselos sa asawang pulis, lahat nirereport. On the other hand, I don’t think my family has ever done anything else. This has been our lives from the very beginning. Besides, Kabataang Barangay was, in a way, the same. That’s why I am very familiar with grassroots. I am very comfortable with the grassroots, the community organizations, the neighborhood networks. Mas sanay ako doon, because that was Kabataang Barangay, barkadahan. I really enjoyed the KB because of the kids.

We will soon be celebrating the 25th anniversary of the EDSA Revolution. Any message to the Filipino people?

I always say the same thing. At the end of the day, the value really is how it transformed the people and if it really changed lives.

Have we improved our lot? Is the country today prouder? Is our country today stronger than before? Those are the questions. If in the end we can answer yes to all these questions, nakaahon tayo sa kahirapan, mas pantay ang playing field, more just and less poor country, okay na, medyo tatanggapin mo. Ang masaklap, parang hindi. That’s really the problem. On a certain level, it really doesn’t matter what happened to the Marcos family. Tanggap mo na, eh.

Talagang ganiyan ang buhay eh. But ang hindi ko matanggap ay hindi talaga tayong umunlad, hind talagang bumuti. Of course, things have changed, and many things have been improved, pero over all, wala. It’s a little bit malungkot, di ba? I hope that for all the heartbreak, for all the sacrifice on all sides na nangyari mula nuong EDSA, sana natuto na tayo. The usual history repeats itself. Sana naman, we should study it so we are not condemned to repeat it again and again and again. That’s all. It’s not personal anymore, eh.

It’s long gone, marami nang nangyari since then. Sabi nga nila, the unsinkable nga kami. Okay lang yun, that’s personal lang naman.

The bigger concern is the country. We should learn. You really have to touch people’s lives, that’s the only measure, that’s the final measure and in the end, the only truthful one.

35

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016

Governor Emmylou “Lala” J. Taliño-Mendoza Province of Cotabato

36

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016

C

A leadership anchored on SERBISYONG TOTOO

hange, and more importantly development and progress, require a leader who understands what needs to be reformed, comprehensively sets the direction, musters cooperation of all stakeholders to achieve the goals, and ensures that the gains of success are felt especially by the most underprivileged of its citizens.

As the governor of the Province of Cotabato which has persistently been beset by conflict, social inequality and economic stagnancy and a lot more concerns, Emmylou “Lala” J. Taliño-Mendoza is aware that she could not be a traditional, sweet-talking, promise-breaking politician but a leader who is unflinching at her determination to rebuild her beloved province.

This ardent desire for a better life for her people is embodied by her administration’s banner advocacy: “SERBISYONG TOTOO” -- genuine service, truth, and social justice toward sustainable social, cultural, economic, environmental, agricultural, infrastructural and administrative development.

Emmylou “Lala” J. Taliño-Mendoza was born on February 25, 1972 in Makilala, Cotabato and eldest child of former Carmen Mayor Noemi J. Taliño and incumbent Mayor Rogelio T. Taliño.

She finished her elementary and secondary education at Notre Dame of Kidapawan for Girls from 1978 to 1989. She earned her undergraduate degree of Bachelor of Science in Acountancy at the Ateneo de Davao University. She is married to Atty.

Raymond Democrito C. Mendoza, Representative of the TUCP Partylist and mother to Ma. Alana Samantha who is studying at the University of Melbourne, Australia, and Emilio Ramon, a grader at The Learning Tree Childgrowth Center, Quezon City.

She participated in International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) on September 14 to October 2, 2009 and was later invited to Senior Crisis Management Course on April 4-8, 2016, both in Washington, D.C., USA. Gov. Taliño-Mendoza’s commitment to the people of the Province of Cotabato comes from a life-long dedication to public service. She officially joined public service at age 20 when she was elected Chairperson of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) of Poblacion Carmen. She was later elected as SK Provincial Federation President and became an ex-officio member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of the Province of Cotabato (19931996). In 1998, she became a senior member of the SP (1st District) where among her notable legislations was the Gender Code of Cotabato. In 2001, she ran as an independent candidate and won as Congresswoman in the 1st Legislative District in Cotabato. She became a minority member in the 12th congress. She assumed and completed the investigation of “Hello Garci” in the 13th congress as Chairman of the Committee on Public Information and was a member of the Commission on Appointments in the 14th congress. She was a member and delegate to the InterParliamentary Union in the 12th, 13th and 14th congress.

37

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016

Her burning desire to change the lives of her dearest Cotabateños prompted her to seek office as their governor. In 2010, she took oath as the youngest and the 24th Governor of the Province of Cotabato. Armed with a renewed mandate, years of political experience, and passion for a reformed Province of Cotabato, Gov. Taliño-Mendoza wasted no time to set in place governance that is ready to dispense the essential services. In 2011, barely a year into her governorship, the province was recognized as the first regional winner of the Gawad Pamana ng Lahi, a national award for exemplary performance in administrative, social, economic and environmental administration. The province also received Seal of Good Housekeeping Award in 2012 and Seal of Good Financial Housekeeping in 2014 from the Department of the Interior and Local Government. In 2015, Cotabato was hailed

38

as the 11th Most Competitive Province in the Philippines with a score of 33.1, merely a few points lower compared to the 1st placer Davao del Sur’s 41.6 points.

Improving Access to Basic Services Recognizing that development could only be realized if the most unfortunate of the population are reached, Gov. Taliño-Mendoza’s administration implemented infrastructure projects -- road concreting and rehabilitation works, farm-tomarket roads (FMR), bridges, water systems, electrification, school buildings, health centers, and many others - that would effectively improve access to the government’s basic services, prioritizing the hardest-to-reach and most underserved communities and open them to better economic activities.

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016

From 2010 to 2015, the provincial government cemented a total of 58.208 kilometers of roads and repaired another 19.22 kilometers thereof; repaired 2 bridges and built 3 hanging bridges; and carried out 3 electrification projects in remote villages in Pikit, Magpet and M’lang to name a few.

Of the road projects, the 15.24 km FMR connecting Barangays Malapag in Carmen and Tinimbacan in Banisilan stands out. “In the past, we had to travel for 4-5 hours via Maramag, Bukidnon to go to Banisilan; the new road has cut the travel time to only 1 and a half hours,” says Malapag chairperson Mary Grace Panzo. For the lady governor, the strategy to put in place necessary infrastructures, besides ensuring efficient delivery of services, also aims to gain support from communities to participate in attaining the development goals of the province.

Strengthening Economic Opportunities Hoping to widen economic activities in the province’s largest sector and attain food sufficiency, Gov. Mendoza places premium on developing the province’s agriculture sector.

This is evident in the programs she pursues for the province’s farmers and fisher folk. Through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, the provincial government provides free seedlings of oil palm and budded rubber, banana, (considered high-value crops), fruit trees, cacao, coffee, vegetable seeds, hard wood

trees; certified seeds of white open-pollinated corn; palay; fertilizers; and livestock and poultry to farmers. In 2014, the provincial government distributed 90,909 oil palm seedlings, 179,258 quality rubber seedlings, 1,250 bags of OPV white corn seedlings, and 8,972 heads of goats, carabaos, cows and poultry. The provincial government also instituted the AdoptA-Fisherman program to help the province’s inland fishing industry, and provides fingerlings and non-motorized banca.

All these assistance to farmers and fisherfolks were provided depending upon their needs.

Sixty-year old Exelis Oberio of Poblacion, Pres. Roxas, a beneficiary of the cattle dispersal program attests to his gains: “In only 2 to 3 years, I could sell a cow for Php15, 000.00 or more. This is truly beneficial to farmers like me.”

Gov. Taliño-Mendoza is the first local chief executive of the province to give due recognition to the potentials of tourism as a source of employment and, income, thereby providing better lives to many. With the help of the Department of Energy, she established the New Israel Eco-Tourism Park in Makilala that has become a top tourist destination for its unique offerings: a 2.2-kilometer zipline, community of tamed monkeys, and the villages of the mystical Moncadistas. The area is a gateway to the country’s highest peak, Mt. Apo. She also developed the 140-meter-wide, curtain-like AsikAsik Spring Falls in Alamada. Both sites are becoming the most

39

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016 favorite destinations of nature and adventure enthusiasts. Her strategies for a sustainable tourism industry include training local communities as service providers, not only to encourage them to care for these sites but also to provide them with livelihood. Efforts to assist micro, small and medium enterprises are also being strengthened with the provincial government providing support to business development and participation in local, national and international trade fairs.

Investing on Health, Education, and Lasting Peace “Good health and sound body is important for our constituents,” Gov. Taliño-Mendoza has time and again emphasized. For this reason, the provincial government has made customary its Serbisyong Totoo Medical and Dental Outreach that brings much needed health services closer to far-flung and isolated villages. In 2015, the province’s medical-dental outreach team visited 120 villages and served 70,659 residents with free check up, dental care, circumcision and others. Just recently, in recognition of this program of the provincial government, the Department of Health gave the province’s Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO), a dental bus to further improve delivery of these services.

Apart from this, the lady governor required the improvement of the management and services of the province’s eight district hospitals and constructing of Php 64-million worth of additional buildings for the Provincial Hospital. Through partnerships with the DOH and donor agencies, like the World Medical Relief Inc., the province has been able to acquire health facilities and equipment. She also ensures that health services provided through PhilHealth Para sa Masa, No Outside Prescription Policy and No Excess Billing Policy are strictly implemented.

40

For Gov. Taliño-Mendoza, education of its youth remains a prime strategy that would ensure brighter future for the Cotabateños. Thus, besides constructing classroom buildings and day care centers, the provincial government has sustained its Provincial Scholarship Program for the poor but deserving students.

Relative to this and with a strong belief that children are the hope of the future and that they are crucial in ensuring lasting peace and order, the provincial government instituted the Summer Kids Camp where Grade 5 pupils – Christians, Muslims and Indigenous People – across the province are gathered primarily to educate the young minds on living in peace with each other and respecting each other’s culture and religious beliefs. Alongside with this are the High School Leadership Camp and College Leadership Camp. Just recently, the Province of Cotabato received the 2015 Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance with a 100 percent rating based on the child-friendly local governance audit by the Council for the Welfare of Children. This is a confirmation of the provincial government’s excellent performance in promoting child’s rights to survival, development, protection and participation.

In her 2015 State of the Province Address, Gov. Lala told the Cotabateños: “Our Serbisyong Totoo advocacy has been successful despite unsettling problems because we have worked together and remained united. The trust you accorded me and the other officials is the driving force that urged us to pay back with genuine service that we believe would surely improve the lives of all Cotabateños and more importantly revive the citizen’s confidence on the government.”

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016

41

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016

Governor Manuel C. Ortega Province of La Union

42

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016

F

La Union’s King of Public Service

or his unparalleled contribution to the peace, progress and development of the Province of La Union, Gov. Manuel C. Ortega is hailed as the “King of Public Service” in his province.

A “jack of all trades”, his vast experience and academic competencies make him a very effective leader. A bemedalled Lieutenant Colonel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, a former UST professor in commerce, a business guru himself, he soon found himself in La Union politics. It is a legacy handed down by his grandfather, Don Joaquin Joaquino Ortega, La Union’s first elected civilian governor and his father, former House Speaker Pro Tempore Francisco “Pacoy” I. Ortega.

Elected mayor of then town of San Fernando in 1988, he served for three full consecutive terms until May 10, 1998. When San Fernando residents voted for the conversion of their town into a city through a plebiscite, he served as first City Mayor of the now City of San Fernando. Ortega’s incumbency as chief executive of San Fernando was remarkable for unerring focus on peace and order, stimulating socio-economic development, cleaning and greening of its communities and superb delivery of public services.

During his three terms as member of the House of Representatives (1998-2007), he earned the respect of the leadership of the chamber and of his peers. Either as principal author or co-sponsor, has filed a number of legislative measures seeking among others, the grant of greater autonomy to local government units; reduction of red tape in the bureaucracy; increase in the effectiveness and efficiency of the Philippine National Police; rationalization of the use of funds allocated for public works and infrastructure projects; increase of the monetary and other benefits of barangay officials, barangay health workers, teachers, policemen, firemen and other frontline civil servants; and introduction of reforms to the national tax and revenue system particularly on its effects to the tobacco industry.

When he became Governor in 2007, Governor Ortega introduced unprecedented progress and development giving priority to peace, order and security as pre-conditions to real development and progress. In fact, his shared vision for the Province is: “La Union: HAVEN of PEACE, UNITY and PROSPERITY for a MUCH IMPROVED QUALITY of LIFE.” A Shared Prosperity in La Union From a poverty incidence rate (families) reaching 21% in 2006 dramatically dropped to 15% in 2012 through relentless pursuit of rural and agricultural development coupled with expanded social service delivery and infra development. La Union achieved its Millennium Development Goal (MDG) target on poverty reduction in 2015. Employment rate remained high at 93-94% compared with Region I’s 92-93%. The Provinces average family income between 2006 and 2015 was steady and higher than the region by 45% during this period. Job placement increase between 2006 and 2015 was more than 88%, or from 1,713 to 3,233 applicants placed. Employment rate remained higher at 93-94% compared with the region’s 92-93% in 2015.

In housing, 2.9 hectares of the Sagayad 1 Resettlement Project is already developed while lots already awarded as of 2015 reached 212 beneficiaries. For the Sagayad 2 Resettlement Project, 2.1 hectares are already developed while lots generated totaled 190. Both catered to low-income groups displaced by government projects and those located in unsafe areas especially within the City of San Fernando. A PGLU Employees Housing Project is underway.

A Wealthier La Union Tax collection efficiency rate in 2006 was posted from 100%-125.5% and increased to 188% in 2015. Total amount of revenue generated reached P1.36 Billion in 2015 from P535.53 Million in 2006, posting a 155% increase. After 2006, revenue at 1.36 Billion gradually outgrew expenditures at P1.24 Billion. This was achieved through effective Internal Control

43

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016

System; Disbursement and Data Entry System; Accounting Advisory and Treasury Cashiering System; Integrated Taxation System (itax) for Real Property; and E-Statement of Receipt and Expenditures.

La Union is now a first class Province and financially stable.

La Union Food Security and Self-Sufficiency In agriculture and livestock, commercial crops and livestock experienced the highest average growths of more than 16% for the period 2006 to 2015. Trailing behind was vegetables with close to 12%. There was also increase in rice, white corn, fruits and fisheries. The average sufficiency level for all the agricommodities was two times higher (204%) than the standard of 100%. The highest sufficiency level was registered by fruits (546%), root crops (289%) and corn (187%). The province has a 100% rice sufficiency level. As such, the Province was recognized as one of the 10 National Outstanding Rice Achievers for achieving 108% rice self-sufficiency level in 2013-2014.

As the One Town One Product (OTOP) of the province, honey’s production had been increasing steadily from 2006 to 2015, generating a production of 3,845 kgs in 2015 alone with a value of P788,000.

In infrastructure and utilities, the construction and rehabilitation of provincial roadswere accelerated with support of the national government. Unpaved provincial roads declined from a high of 31.8 kms in 2006 to 10 kms in 2015. For provincial bridges, the length increased from only 2,016.85 l.m.in 2006 to 35,751.0 l.m in 2015. With the participation of the province in the Department of Agriculture’s (DA’s) Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP), more infrastructures to fast track rural and agricultural development were implemented with support of the World Bank.

44

The number of household which had been energized steadily increased from 136,426 households in 2006 to 160,149 households in 2015. All 576 barangays in the province had already been covered. There are 4,837 hectares under the national irrigation system and 3,808 has. of communal irrigation. There are also Small Water Impounding Projects (SWIP) that caters 617 has. Irrigation is the key in enhancing farm productivity and reducing rural poverty, the Province allocated more funds from the RA 7171 tobacco excise-tax revenue for expanding areas under irrigation.

TOURISM, TRADE & INVESTMENTS DEVELOPMENT In tourism, the flagship in the province remains to be focused on the development of Poro Point, City of San Fernando Special Economic and Freeport Zone Area as a multi-use tourism magnet with the Thunderbird Resort Hotel and Fiesta Casino. From a record of 49,300 tourist arrivals in the province in 2006, the number had grown to 284,791 in 2015, posting an increase of more than 470% and an average growth of close to 30%. The number of tourism accommodation establishments likewise grew from 58 in 2006 to 146 establishments in 2015.

The seaside water-oriented tourism is augmented by an inlandupland focus featuring waterfalls, rivers, mountains, forests, caves and indigenous people’s culture. La Union is now famous as the “Surfing Capital of the North.”

In 2006, the amount of investment put into trade and industry reached Php 973M in 2014.Export increased to $36M in 2012 from $20.50M in 2009. The number of business establishment registered in 2009 reached more than 7,000 and increased to more than 8,400 in 2012.

A Safer La Union Governor Ortega believed that the true measure of progress is enduring peace. Peace and order, as a pre-condition for

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016

sustained socio-economic growth is measured also by Crime Solution Efficiency Rate, which is significantly higher (91%) compared with Region I’s average of 65%. The sustained priority given to peace through the 7 pillars of the Criminal Justice System, Peace & Order Council, and LUDAC contributed to this level of achievement of peace.

The Province remainded insurgency-free according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

A More Focused Legislative Agenda The overall policy framework for development is based on various Resolutions and Ordinances enacted by the SangguniangPanlalawigan (SP). For the period 2006-2015, the average annual Resolutions enacted was over 300 and seven ordinances. This is effected by the prioritization of legislative measures between legislative and executive branches through the strengthened Local Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Committee (LLEDAC).

A Healthier La Union Child death rate decreased from 2.26% in 2006 to less than 1% in 2015. Infant mortality rate followed suit from over 14.5% in 2006 to less than 2% in 2015. Overall, crude death rate improved from over 6% in 2006 to 4.55% in 2015. This is the result of continued immunization of children; reduction of malnutrition rate from 10.6% in 2006 to only about 4% in 2015; facility-based delivery which increased from less than 50% in 2006 to more than 100% in 2015; and deliveries attended by birth attendants at 91% in 2006 to close to 99% in 2015.

Deaths from dengue declined from nine in 2006 to close to two deaths in 2015. Tuberculosis morbidity rate experienced a reversal from 110/1000 population in 2006 to less than 1/1000 population in 2015.

In Environmental Sanitation, potable water became available to almost 98% of households in 2015 as against 89% in 2006.

45

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016

In hospital services, the number of in-patient who sought hospitalization and recovered from their ailments increased by more than 50% was realized from 2006 to 2015 by the La Union Medical Center (LUMC) and the five district hospitals (DHs). The number of out-patients also declined. The average bed occupancy rate exceeded their capacities in 2015 at 126% for LUMC and 119% for the DHs. As economic enterprises, the revenue generated by hospitals from their pharmacies grew by an average of almost 40% between 2006 and 2015. The total amount of PhilHealth collection generated increased by an average of 34% between 2006 and 2015, reaching a total of Php 211.29 M in 2015.

Life expectancy in La Union is better (75 years) than Region 1 (73 years) in 2015. Females have longer lives by 5-6 years compared to their male counterparts.

A Wiser La Union Across 79 provinces in the country, the Human Development Index (HDI) of the Province reached 18th in 2010 and projected to land 15th in 2015.

46

The net enrolment grew for both elementary and secondary.

Enrolment at the secondary level dramatically increased by 74% in 2015 from 53% in 2006 while completion rate at the elementary level already reached more than 100% in 2015 from 84% in 2006.

The province’s literacy rate of 10-64 years improved at 95% compared with Region 1’s 97% in 2015.

A Greener La Union Between 2006 and 2015, the area for the establishment of Marine Protected areas increased from 34 has. to 256 has., posting an increase of more than 1,000 %. Almost all of the 12 coastal municipalities have their local fishery ordinance, and are members of the La Union Baywatch Network for Sustainable Fisheries in cooperation with BFAR-USAID Ecosystems Improved for Sustainable Fisheries (ECOFISH) Project. The area of mangrove reforestation increased to 110 has. from 9 has. in 2015.

La Union was adjudged as RDC Hall of Famer Awardee-Regional Champion as the “Cleanest, Safest and Greenest Province in the Region” from 2011-2013.

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016 Six watershed sites with an area of 1,054 hectares were developed and being maintained with aggressive complementation of the DENR-National Greening Program.

The province partners with the Health Education Environment Discipleship (HEED) Foundation and Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation, Inc. in implementing the Watershed Development Program intended to empower farmer-residents to sustainably develop their watershed and protect the river systems in the province.

The “King” has Proven his Worth The DILG, thru its Local Governance Performance Management System (LGPMS) that measures the governance effectiveness of LGUs, adjudged the PGLU as being one of the best governed provinces in the whole country. The “Gawad Pamana ng Lahi” and Seal of Good Housekeeping was conferred by President Benigno S. Aquino III and the late DILG Sec. Jesse M. Robredo on Oct. 11, 2011 at PICC “ for exemplary performance in Administrative, Social, Economic and Environmental sectors governance or sectors.

The Millennium Development Goals (MDG) which officially terminates on 2015 will be replaced by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) – the new global agenda for development for the period 2016 to 2030. Shared Prosperity and Sustainable Development are the SDGs’ thrusts. Continuing the development momentum of the past as shepherded under the leadership of Gov. Manuel C. Ortega, and putting the province in the new context of development agenda as broadly indicated, here will certainly put the province in a higher governance and development pedestal.

Truly, Governor Ortega is not only a man of peace and integrity but also a “man of action” who makes nights into days so he can work, work and work for the people he loved so well.

47

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016

Governor Vilma Santos-Recto Province of Batangas

48

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016

G

The First Lady Governor of the Province of Batangas

overnance is not just a matter of an individual or group leading people. It is identifying the needs and wants of the constituency through regular interactions, and integrating public sentiments into principles molded into a collective vision and mission. In turn, the latter serves and guides how each government program and project is shaped and, ultimately, put into action.

Such is the essence of having common values and vision.

For at the heart of each administration, it is imperative that there is teamwork and cooperation as each one performs a part, founded on a shared responsibility.

This has always been the system of leadership and administration of Gov. Vilma Santos Recto, since she began her public service career in 1998.

As Lipa’s local chief executive and first woman mayor, she put a premium on programs aimed at improving public health, education and protecting the environment. She likewise laid emphasis on basic infrastructure that made the city, which already boasts of a strategic location, even more attractive to investors. When she concluded her three-year term as its mayor, Lipa is among the most dynamic economic and industrial centers in Batangas and the Southern Tagalog region.

Now at the helm of Batangas’ provincial government, also as its first lady governor, her administration exhibits the same exuberance to be of genuine service to her fellow Batangueños.

In fact, specific areas where public service is focused have been identified. It is summed up in the acronym H.E.A.R.T.S. for Health, Education and Environment, Agriculture, Roads and infrastructure, Tourism and Security. Testament to the vast gains that have been attained in these fronts can be seen and felt across the province, and resulted to another overwhelming victory in the May 2010 polls.

Gov. Vi’s devotion to her role as mother of the province has resulted in numerous awards and citations. These, she shares with the men and women in her administration, who work tirelessly toward the accomplishment of projects being undertaken; and all Batangueños, who continuously support her administration and believe in her capabilities as an honest and dependable leader.

2007 - present Two-term Governor of the Province of Batangas.

She is the first female governor of the province of Batangas.

1998 - 2007 Three-term mayor of Lipa City, Batangas.

She was the first female mayor of the city.

49

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016

Awards and Recognitions in Socio-Civic/Public Service • 2013 Batangueña Achiever for Public Service • 2013 Outstanding Batangueño Leader as conferred by Lyceum of the Philippines University – Batangas • 2013 Outstanding Local Chief Executive (provincial level) as given by Association of Local Social Welfare and Development Officers of the Philippines Inc. (ALSWDOPI) for her exemplary performance, planning, innovations, enacted local legislations and best practices in public service during her administration • 2012 Plaque of Recognition from Poverty and Economic Policies (PEP) Asia- Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) awarded for her successful implementation of CBMS-based Provincial Poverty Maps • 2012 Certificate of Commendation for setting up the Batangan Gender and Development Resource Center (BGDRC) as the first provincial GAD Resource Center in Calabarzon Region that serves as a training hub for both women and men • 2012 Special Recognition Awards for Local Government Service by the University of the Philippines National College of Public Administration and Governance (UP NCPAG)

50

• 2012 Gawad Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino – Parangal sa Natatanging Kababaihan • 2012 Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award as cited by the Civil Service Commission and Office of the President of the Philippines for daring to fight the toughest battles of the Province of Batangas, addressed the persistent overcrowding in Taal Lake to improve water quality and prevent fish kills. The Lingkod Bayan Award is given to an individual or group of individuals exceptional or extraordinary contributions resulting from an idea or performance that had nationwide impact on public interest, security and patrimony.

• 2012 BSP Stakeholder’s Awards 2012 as given by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas for providing them with information support to have an effective scan of the environment in Calabarzon and Mimaropa.

• 2012 Plaque of Commendation for the valuable contribution in environmental protection particularly in Conservation and Protection Program in Taal Lake • 2012 Commissioned in the rank of Lieutenant Colonel (reservist) as given by the Philippine Air Force • 2012 Plaque of Recognition as given by the Department of Education for her concrete contribution in public school education

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016

• 2012 Certificate of Recognition as signed by DENR Sec. Ramon Paje for her initiative, political will and valuable contribution in protecting Taal Volcano Protected Landscape thru Task Force Taal • 2011 2011 Starpreneur Awardee by the Go Negosyo, Babae Kapuso Ka ng Bayan Women Entrepreneurship Summit and Expo last March 4, 2011 at the World Trade Center, Pasay City. The Starpreneur Awards, a joint effort

by Go Negosyo, GMA Network, The Philippine STAR and the Department of Trade and Industry, recognize inspiring women entrepreneurs and enablers who have made a difference in their respective fields and have become role models as women with enterprising mindset, passion, and innovative skills.

• 2011 Certification issued to Province of Batangas thru Gov. Vilma Santos Recto in celebration of the United Nation’s Year of Biodiversity and the UNESCO Year of Cultural Rapproachment

• 2011 Seal of Good Housekeeping as conferred by the Department of Interior and Local Government for the recognition of good performance in internal housekeeping, particularly in the areas of local legislation, development planning, resource generation, resource allocation and utilization, customer service, and human resource management and development, as well as, in valuing the fundamental of good governance.

• 2010 17thMost Trusted Filipino in Survey conducted by Reader’s Digest Asia • 2010 Lifetime Achievement Award during the 1st Lingkod TV Awards by the National Council for Children’s Television (NCCT) and the Department of Education (DepEd) for her effective implementation of the H.E.A.R.T.S. (Health, Education and Environment, Agriculture, Roads, Tourism and Security) program that ensures good future for the Batangueño children • 2010 Plaque of Recognition to Batangas for being a MALARIA-FREE PROVINCE based on World Health Organization (WHO) Standards • 2010 Gawad Suri Exemplary Award • 2009 Doctor of Humanities, Honoris Causa by University of North Eastern Philippines, Iriga City, Camarines Sur • 2009 One of the “Culture Friendly” LGUs - Malacañan Palace • 2009 PEMSEA Recognition of Local Government: Achievements In Sustainable Development of Coastal Areas Through Integrated Coastal Management • 2008 FAMAS Exemplary Award for her unparalleled accomplishments both in the movies and TV industry as well as in public service • 2008 Plaque of Recognition to Provincial Government of Batangas – Top Taxpayer with profound gratitude for unselfish and invaluable support to the programs, projects

51

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016

and activities of the BIR thereby making significant and vital contribution to the attainment of the district office’s annual goal • 2007 People of the Year by the People Asia Magazine • 2007 BAYI Citation - One of the Exemplary Women in Politics and Governance • 2007 Sandugo Outstanding Local Government Executive Award, the National Voluntary Blood Services Department of Health Center for Health • 2006 Gawad Munting Ngiti Awardee & Keynote Speaker to the 7th Annual Conference of the National Association of Dental Trade Inc. at PhilTrade, Roxas Blvd, Pasay City Oct. 8, 2006 • 2006 Outstanding City Mayor Award from the Dept. of Social Welfare & Devt.

• 2006 Topped survey among students as ‘Positive Youth Role Model’ • 2006 Unlad Pilipinas Award (for ‘Mga Munting Ngiti’) • 2005 UP Gawad Plaridel Award • 2005 Doctor of Humanities, Honoris Causa by Lipa City Public College, Lipa City, Batangas • 2005 Regional Sandugo Outstanding Mayor Hall of Fame • 2005 Huwarang Pilipino Award conferred by the 2005 Parangal sa Pamilyang Pilipino Organization Inc and by the Office of the President (May 21, 2005 at Ateneo de Manila University)

52

• 2005 Conferred as Honorary Member of the UP College of Public Health Alumni Society and Keynote Speaker to their 26th Annual Convention in Manila • 2005 Bright Smiles Bright Futures Award, at the Sydney Convention Center in Sydney, Australia. The Philippines’ Dental Health Program “Mga Munting Ngiti” in Lipa bested all finalists from Scotland, Australia, Rumania, China and Mexico.

• 2005 IAPD (International Association of Pediatric Dentistry) • 2005 Presented the Honorary Key to Jersey City, New Jersey, USA • 2005 Gawad Suri Award for Exemplary Public Servant • 2003 Woman With a Heart Given by Mary Kay Philippines • 2002 Ten Outstanding Young Achievers • 2002 Presidential Award as the Cleanest & Greenest Local Government Unit in Region IV • 2001 Regional Sandugo Outstanding Local Executive Award given by the Dept. of Health • 2000 Recognition Award in Government Service - GMMSF • 2000 Outstanding City Mayor given by the Civil Service Commission • 2000 Outstanding mayor in Region IV given by the Asosasyon ng Komentarista at Anaunser sa Pilipinas • 2000 Best Over-All Local Council Performance given by the Boy Scout of the Philippines

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016

53

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016

Governor Vicente Homer Bajar REVIL Province of Masbate

54

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016

“A

EMPOWERING THE PEOPLE nything that happens in your life was meant to happen.

It is your destiny. I was destined to have the life I have now, and I can't have any regrets”.

- Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Masbateños. Believing in the idea of shared responsibility, he also continued notable projects of the past administration. This is to make sure that no project becomes a white elephant and no government funds are put into waste.

This aptly capsulizes the life of Atty. Vicente Homer Bajar Revil. From Sangguniang Panlalawigan member in 2001 to succeeding as vice-governor in 2004 when the then vicegovernor passed away due to health reasons. The only ViceGovernor elected for three consecutive terms. He assumed the post as the governor of the province on his last term when then governor was charged with plunder. Destiny played a vital role.

Provincial Accounting Office Through proper fiscal management, the province was able to settle all its accountabilities and remained liquid as to its bank deposits. During his term, he returned watchmen illegally terminated, hired more competent employees, promoted deserving ones and made sure that all dues are promptly paid.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, those who have been called according to his purpose.” I know deep within my heart that I have been called and I thank God for everything that has been and will be… ( quoted from his Ulat sa Masbate, February 23, 2016) HIGHLIGHTS OF HIS ACCOMPLISHMENTS Gov. Vince as he is fondly called made a remarkable breakthrough to his brand of leadership. He believes that it is only by empowering the employees that the province would be able to move forward. Hence, he adopted his battlecry “Kusog Masbate Province” (Strong Masbate Province). KUSOG stands for K- kakayahan, kagalingan (good governance) In so short a term, Gov. Vince initiated programs, projects and activities that created an impact to the lives of the

Provincial Treasury Office He initiated the implementation of Enhanced Tax Revenue Assessment and System or ETRACS which aims at computerization of operation and collection of taxes of PTO. With ETRACS, the province collection increased for forty percent. Delinquent real property tax payers were also reminded about their obligation to the province including telecom giants.

This lowered the province total IRA dependency.

Provincial Planning and Development Office Through the PPDO, he made sure that the province is compliant to the criteria set on transparency and accountability by posting the financial document on the “Full Disclosure Policy Portal” located at the Capitol lobby and on the province official website. With this, the province was awarded the “Seal of Good Financial Housekeeping”. Also he returned the task of monitoring the 20% Economic Development Fund Projects to PPDO.

55

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016 Human Resource Management Office He believes that good, competent and responsible employees of the provincial government are its important riches. So, he empowered them by initiating the Organizational Strengthening Capability and Team Building Program.

For six consecutive weeks, just a few months after he assumed office, all employees underwent the said program.

This is to ensure prompt, responsive and efficient public service delivery.

Provincial Communication and Information Group To promote information campaign of positive govt. programs and projects and to raise community awareness, his administration created the PCIG which is responsible in utilizing the tri-media for prompt, accurate and efficient information dissemination. He equipped its office with capable personnel and modern equipment for transparent and responsive governance.

Provincial General Services Office Under his leadership, the General Services Office was able to achieve three major accomplishments; (1) General Service Office Systems Enhancement, (2) Operations Manual for more efficient and effective office, and (3) Inventory of Supplies upon instruction of COA. It is only during his administration that official inventory of plant, property, equipment and supplies was implemented.

Provincial Tourism Culture and Arts Office He acknowledges that tourism is the key that will showcase the hidden beauty of Masbate and will push the economy. So, on June 1, 2015 he issued Executive Order 05-2015 creating the Provincial, Tourism Culture and Arts Office. He also gave full support to the First Tourism Summit and all activities that will help establish a tourism industry in the province.

Vice Governor’s Office Destiny also played a key role on his success when his wife, Atty. Kaye Celera-Revil who was the Senior Board Member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan having garnered the highest number of votes in the last election became the vice-governor. What he lacked due to immense responsibilities as the chief executive of the province was fully complemented by his wife’s ardor and dynamism. She spearheaded various activities such as the Search for Most Outstanding Women Achievers, Tourism and Water Sanitation and Hygiene Summits and First Provincial Coastal Clean-up Drive. Indeed, behind the success of a man is a loving and very supportive legislator-wife.

56

U- USWAG (Prosperity)

Public Employment Service Office Through this office, labor groups were assisted and given the Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar (PEOS). He gave his full support to this activity to strengthen job matching and to avoid illegal recruitment.

Provincial Agriculture Office Very much aware of the effects of climate change to the agriculture sector, he worked hand in hand with Agriculture personnel in helping local farmers gain more technical skills, how to increase farm production and to ensure food security in the province. Farmers Field School trainings were continued.

He initiated to start the production of Masbate Black Rice which will hopefully bring glory to Masbate in Agriculture.

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016

Provincial Veterinary Office Gov. Vince pushed for the continuation of Bureau of Animal Industry and OIE-World Organization for Animal Health program which aims at achieving a rabies- free Masbate.

given their own banca, Environmental Quiz Bee and initiated the One Family One Tree Planting program. He relocated the PENRO personnel to their new and more spacious office complete with amenities.

Provincial Assessor’s Office On February 17, 2016, Masbate was among the 28 provinces featured in Philippine Star with Updated Basis of Real Property Tax. The resolution and ordinance approving and adopting the 2014 Schedule of Fair Market Values as Basis in the Implementation of the General Revision of Real Property Assessments was filed and approved during his time as the Vice-governor of the province. Hence, his full support to the said program of the province.

S- SEGURIDAD (Security)

Provincial Office on Environment and Natural Resources Management To address the demand to protect the environment, he improved the internal system and processing towards effective and efficient tax revenue collection and to be able to regulate quarry operations in the province within the context of sustainable environment management. He also empowered the personnel to conduct the first Provincial Training on Quarry Safety and Environmentally Sound Operation, Training on Net Fabrication and Proper Net Mending where participants were

Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office Prepared… Alert… Organized… This is the direction of PDRRMO under his helm. He allowed the local PDRRMO to create their own website to update the localities on information about the weather condition. With his full support, this office was able to distribute satellite phones to DRRM office in the city and other municipalities aside from continuous trainings, disaster drills, seminars and orientations which are top priorities.

Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office He believes that basic social services are important and should be delivered to the marginalized sector so he strengthened all programs of the PSWDO. To protect the rights and welfare of women and children, he immediately approved EO 06-2015 creating GAD Focal System and EO 0072015 organizing the Local Committee on Anti-trafficking and Violence Against Women and Children (LCAT- VAWC).

57

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016

Provincial Health Office Through proper coordination with the Provincial Health Office, he made sure that all health services and facilities are delivered and upgraded. He facilitated regular conduct of medical missions by inviting generous medical foundations and non-government organizations. Health programs are fully supported to ensure a healthy community.

Provincial Warden’s Office Gov. Vince believes that inmates deserve better treatment so he encouraged jailers-in-charge to attend Therapeutic Approach in Handling Inmates Seminar. He disallowed physical, mental and emotional punishment inside the jail. He improved the living condition of inmates in Matiporon Sub -Jail by constructing an electric water pump.

Education Education is closest to his heart being the son of Jovencio T. Revil, retired Deped Regional Director and Hilda B. Revil, retired Schools Division Superintendent of the province of Masbate. So, he gave all the needed assistance of the education sector. The family donated one hectare of land for the creation of the first Public High School in the municipality of Milagros.

He strengthened the sports program of DepEd by donating the amount of P4.3M for the Palarong Bicol and by giving additional

58

incentives to gold,silver and bronze medalists. This helped increased the over-all rank of the delegation. He continued the scholarship program for deserving students, hired more Provincial School Board to address the need for teachers and even sponsored one day Tribute to Teachers which honored retirees and showcased the latent talents of the educators.

Phil. National Police and Phil. Army To ensure the security of the civilian community, Gov. Vince tapped and supported the activities of the PNP and Phil.

Army in curbing criminality in the province. He initiated the campaign against drugs by giving cash incentives to the ”best performing police station”.

O- Obra (Work) Provincial Engineering Office “Work is love made visible”. Through the various infrastructure and road projects continued and fully implemented by his administration, he has manifested his love for his province and the Masbateños. From multi-purpose buildings to schools to seawalls to road openings, what he has in mind is the welfare of the farmers and fishermen and the ordinary folks whose lives were improved when he did an extra mile of his public service.

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016

G-Gobierno (Government) With four months left as governor of the province, he commits to continue and finish what needs to be accomplished.

He however, challenged the next governor during his “Ulat sa Masbate” delivered last February 23, 2015 to continue his other dreams for Masbate which include: • Construction of the Batasang Panlalawigan (Legislative Building) • Construction of Coastal Circumferential roads that will connect all barangays in Mainland Masbate, Ticao and Burias.

• Full operationalization of Manpower Livelihood Center that will train jobless people with skills • Approval of the Provincial Tourism Code to create a permanent Tourism Office • Establishment of the Center for the Elders • Establishment of the Provincial Center for Women and Children Crisis

• Information Technology System of the Provincial Government Offices with International Standard Operation (ISO) certification • Full implementation of Point of Care Program of Phil Health in Masbate • Relocation of Masbate Airport • Concreting of Milagros-Uson Access Road For a year, Gov. Vince has proven that it is not on the number of years one can be great, but it is on how much he had put into that one short year that God has given him the privilege.

One year that proved that as long as he has his wife, Vice-Gov. Kaye with him, the love and understanding of his parents and children and his fellow Masbateños, he will continue where his destiny brings him… with passion and ardor and with the strength of a true blooded Masbateño.

59

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016

Governor Miguel Luis “Migz” R. Villafuerte Province of Camarines Sur

60

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016

M

A PROFILE IN YOUTHFUL DYNAMISM AND INNOVATIVE ADVOCACY

iguel Luis “Migz” R. Villafuerte has carved an indelible distinction – when two years ago, at 24 years, was conceded the youngest governor elected in contemporary Philippine history.

A legacy and tradition of public service definitely runs in the blood of Migz Villafuerte.

Firstborn Migz assumed the reins as chief executive of the Province of Camarines Sur after his father Luis Raymund “LRay” Villafuerte, Jr., a globally multi-awarded entrepreneur before he entered public service and served a full three-term stint as governor and who himself succeeded father Luis R. Villafuerte who was governor of CamSur for fifteen years.

Migz’s education is equally as significant as his genes in preparing him for his destined role and responsibilities. He completed his elementary education at De La Salle Zobel, graduated high school from International School Manila, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science at the University of San Diego in California. Of course, also infinitely invaluable were the experiences he gained working as the President of his self-founded sports and lifestyle company, Republic, Inc., and the hands-on knowledge on local governance he absorbed while going around the entire province helping his father with official projects and gubernatorial duties.

A clear manifestation of Migz Villafuerte’s determination and hard work that has not been surpassed by any other gubernatorial candidate in the history of the province is his record of having visited almost 97% of the 1,036 barangays of CamSur’s 35 towns and one component city, some of them two, three or more times. Shortly after his victory in the 2013 elections, Gov. Migz was elected as Chairman of the Bicol Region and Vice-President for Luzon in the League of Provinces of the Philippines.

When he assumed office last year, Migz Villafuerte was fully aware of where he stood and had a definite concept of where he wanted to go and what he wanted to be done, launching his administration with a realistic stance through his 4Ps (Paaralan, Pabahay, Patubig, Puhunan) and 4Ts (Trabaho, Tinampo, Tubig Inumon, Training & Scholarships) Program.

These service programs are chiefly direct compliance of commitments personally made during his pre-governorship excursion. And only a year and two months after being inaugurated as governor, Gov. Migz has earned significant accomplishments under his belt.

GOV MIGZ 4P and 4T PROGRAM Paaralan program have caused the opening of four new high schools in geographically inaccessible areas, only during his first 100 days in office, when he learned that students have

61

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016 to walk 5-10 km to get to school everyday. Gov Migz has given further attention to education through the continuous construction of over 23 new classrooms buildings 19 mini pavilions, with over 74 classrooms built, as well as the repair and rehabilitation, modernization and beautification of the structures in various schools in the province, including school stages, covered courts and day-care centers. Further, Gov. Migz offers various courses for free under the Camarines Sur Information Technology Center such as English Proficiency Program, Japanese Language and Culture Center, Animation Training Program, Medical Transcription Center, and Computer Technology courses such as Basic Computer Operation, AutoCAD, Photoshop, PC Troubleshooting and Maintenance, Computer Hardware Servicing, Computer Secretarial, and Digital Media Development and Design. Soon to rise in CamSur are community colleges in the remote coastal town of Caramoan, and Tinambac that will offer free education to students who wish to earn a college degree. Meanwhile, the Gov. Mariano Villafuerte College in Libmanan, Siruma, and Garchitorena are all in full-swing construction and shall be the first college of its kind to offer free education subsidized by the province. It is also his vision to have internet connectivity in all public schools in Camarines Sur. By the end of 2015, four municipalities, Minalabac, Pili, Milaor, Bula, shall have full internet connectivity.

Gov Migz has also prioritized Pabahay programs, one of which is the Cabalinadan Housing Program in the municipaliy of Tigaon. Twenty houses were built including a Day Care Center and a potable water system. Gov. Migz also allotted 150 housing units each to the municipalities of Libmanan and Milaor while constructing another 100 units in the municipality

62

of Calabanga. Also, a joint project with World Vision is to be realized at Pinahulugan, Lagonoy, where 20 climate-proof concrete houses are to be built.

Patubig is primarily aimed at enhancing production of the agricultural sector, particularly rice, through establishment of irrigation systems. Extensive areas of otherwise underproductive acreage in Abucayan in Goa, San Miguel in Tigaon, Cagbunga in Pamplona and San Francisco in Bombon, including areas of adjoining barangays are now fully productive and have benefitted thousands of farmers and their families.

Puhunan sa Negosyo is basically founded on organizing residents in selected key areas and providing seed capital for micro-financing operations. Thus far, thirty two (32) municipalities, including the two cities, Naga and Iriga, are in operation benefiting 14, 897 families through the financing of small-scale enterprises such as sari-sari stores, itik raising, handicraft making, fish and vegetable vending, and eateries, to name a few, with a total initial capitalization of P22.6 Million.

The 4 Ts program component are: Trabaho, a job placement project spearheaded by the CamSur Employment Center of the Office of the Governor, has facilitated the employment of 251 employees abroad and 849 employees in domestic position, with 1,490 referrals to overseas posting and 3,610 applicants to local positions. In joint undertaking with DTI, the CSEC launched this summer the Special Program for Employment of Students initially benefitting 97 recipients.

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016

Project Tinampo, or road in its direct translation, has provided the repair and rehabilitation of a significant total of more than 51 barangay beneficiaries; 157 barangay who benefitted from the farm-to-market road, inclusive of PRDP; road concreting and pathways for 318 barangays; in several strategic location and the construction and rehabilitation of more than 7 bridges; riprapping and concreting of 18 drainage canals through provincial funding and financial counterparting in with the municipal and barangay LGUs; and financial assistance for concreting of a total of 114 barangays.

Tubig na Inumon, an off-shoot of the times Governor Migz Villafuerte visited distant and isolated locations in the province and directly resulting from his own continuing school and barangay visitation program, when he discovered that residents have to trek kilometers to procure safe drinking water, if any are at all available. The project encompasses construction of new or rehabilitation of existing potable water systems, counterpart financing of LGU potable water system projects and distribution of over 2,000 deep well pumps, with over 10,000 beneficiaries.

Under the Training and Scholarship Program, a total of 18,115 scholarships for elementary, high school and college students were granted in the first year of Governor Migz’s

tenure as governor. Other segments of the project include a continuing career coaching for graduating school students in public and private high schools, gender sensitivity and women empowerment training for various women groups, food processing and other livelihood training.

ENVIRONMENT Foremost among continuing programs marked to be sustained is the Provincial Government’s comprehensive thrust to preserve, protect and enhance the environment bannered by the El Verde Movement, a multi-faceted project principally designed as centerpiece of Governor Villafuerte’s advocacy to mitigate the effects and adapt to the global climate change crisis coupled with an objective of eventually transforming CamSur into the greenest, cleanest and most environment-friendly province in Asia.

Since the launching of the El Verde Movement in 2011 over 26 million trees have been planted province-wide, with over 21 million growing. Close to 10 million of them are various mangrove species in selected areas along the province’s lengthy coastline, over 115,000 bamboo and over 5 million fruit-bearing and indigenous species of hardwood trees. This only shows the young governor’s determination in fulfilling his commitment and vision to plant 40 million trees by the year 2020.

63

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016 Protection campaigns are also aligned with appropriate research, development and information drives implemented continuously province-wide.

The Sagip Kalikasan Task Force of the province actively apprehends illegal logging, mining, quarrying and other activities that adversely affect the environment.

Collateral to forest protection vigilance is a unique and first-of its-kind project in the country dubbed Project SILYA in collaboration with the DENR and DepEd whereby materials confiscated in illegal logging apprehensions are fabricated into school chairs for donation to various public schools around the province. To date, 2000 Project SILYA chairs have been constructed and distributed.

Similar protection, enhancement and development programs have also been initiated focused on coastal and riverine resources, of which the province of CamSur has been amply blessed. Among the frontline concerns in this area is the Bicol River Development program aimed at cleaning up this extensive internal water network and develop this resource that traverses several towns and many of their barangays through auxiliary projects that shall complement other provincially initiated and sustained livelihood, tourism, and agricultural programs.

64

Gov. Migz also started the Lake Bato Conservation Project to reverse the effects of human activities by constructing engineered wetlands that help filter the water. Lake Bato serves as the main source of livelihood of the various communities that settle around it. The project also includes converting farming practices in areas around the lake into organic farming to eradicate the harmful effects of chemical fertilizers that contaminate the water.

As CamSur is situated at the path of the country’s perennial typhoons and their attendant flooding, equal focus has been extended to disaster risk reduction and management, including intensive research¸ capability building in terms of preparedness, rescue, response, relief and rehabilitation and modernized equipment. As PDRRMC Chairman, Gov. Migz makes sure quick and proper actions are done to attain zero casualty in every typhoon. There is a continuous course for aspiring members of the Provincial Rescue Team, and just last September, a total of 45 new provincial rescuers graduated from said training. He is also quick to response to the immediate needs of the constituents through relief operations starting the day right after the typhoon. He also reaches a hand to other provinces by sending a medical team to Samar and was even recognized by the Department of Health as one of the Unsung Heroes of Typhoon Yolanda.

Outstanding Governorship Award 2016 And to address the flooding problem in the Region, two (2) state of the art dredger machines were bought and imported by the provincial government and are to be situated in Lake Bato and Libmanan.

Governor Migz Villafuerte’s advocacies and initiatives have risen to national attention and even being emulated by several provinces. Along the way his efforts has earned him, after serving as governor for barely a year, the prestigious designation as Philippines Climate Change Ambassador, an honor he is very grateful for and an responsibility he is very keen to comply.

“The mitigation of adverse effects and adaptation to climate change are shared responsibilities of all stakeholders and it is the common aspiration of every one to work closely together to ensure the horrors of the likes of Yolanda do not recur,” the governor said in a recent statement.

HEALTH Health services has also remained at the forefront of Governor Villafuerte’s priority advocacies, including the rehabilitation, modernization, and expansion of 12 Rural Health Units and 12 provincially operated District Hospitals. Recently, the governor received as donation P100M worth of medical supplies and equipment from Michigan, USA. That is only the first batch out of ten shipments totaling to over P200 M. The medical resources will be distributed throughout the 12 District

Hospitals. He continues to seek more partnership with local and international organizations to provide better healthcare services in the province. It Is also important to mention that his major project for health, the planned Provincial Hospital, to be situated in Bula, has already been included in DOH National Budget and is scheduled to start construction in 2015.

TOURISM Noteworthy, also, is the invigorated tourism development thrusts sustained or initiated with zeal that has propelled CamSur to a forefront position among top tourist destinations in the Philippines. Gov. Migz ordered for the full renovation of the Camsur Watersports Complex which maintains its title as the best and most progressive wakepark in the world. The park now features new rails and unique setups that are first of its kind in the world. Under his leadership, the province welcomed the international TV series, Survivor, who once again, chose the Caramoan Peninsula as the setting for their high-grossing show.

He also developed a new approach to CamSur’s holistic tourism program, making the province the Adventure Capital of the country. Surely the world will need to watch out for the all-new CamSur Adventure program of the Provincial Government.

For Governor Villafuerte, it does not matter how young one is as long as the will to serve is strong within him. He is the living testament that age does not matter in public service. For him, one can never be too young to serve others. It’s time for the youth to rise up, serve, lead and make things happen!

65